Department of Biology
Important Links for Pre and In-service Elementary,
Middle, and Secondary Teachers
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National, State, and Benchmark
Standards for Scientific Literacy
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Links to expand your ideas about
teaching an learning science
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Commissions and Reports
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Specific Biology Links
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State Departments of Education
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Course Templates |
I. National, State, and Benchmark
Standards for Scientific Literacy
Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html
Benchmarks for Science Literacy http://www.project2061.org/tools/benchol/bolframe.htm
"Benchmarks for Science Literacy, is a companion report to
Science For All Americans, published by the American Association
for the Advancement of Science. Benchmarks specifies how students
should progress toward science literacy, recommending what they should know
and be able to do by the time they reach certain grade levels. Together,
the two publications can help guide reform in science, mathematics, and
technology education."
Science for All Americans http://www.project2061.org/tools/sfaaol/sfaatoc.htm
"This book is about science literacy. Science for All Americans
consists of a set of recommendations on what understandings and ways of
thinking are essential for all citizens in a world shaped by science and
technology. Below, we discuss briefly how these came about and describe
their nature and organization. But first we take up the question of why
such recommendations are needed".
II. Links to expand your ideas
about teaching an learning science
Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics, and Environmental
Education http://www.ericse.org
A very important site to help you find the research literature
on the learner's ideas/thinking about a particular science topic. Use the
'Search Eric Database' to find abstract/articles. Once into this link, try
searching first by using 'selected fields (Keyword, author, title). The
Clearinghouse is a component of the Educational Resources Information Center,
sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and it's goal is to provide
access to the best information available for teaching and learning about
science, mathematics, and the environment.
Eisenhower National Clearinghouse http://enc.org
U.S. Department of Education provides k-12 math and science educators with
information about teaching materials, innovative ideas, and professional
development. The Digital Dozen link, a favorite of teachers, is a monthly
selection of exemplary math and science web sites.
Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators http:// www.school.discovery.com/schrockguide
This site contains a categorized list of sites useful for enhancing curriculum
and professional growth. It is updated often to include the best sites for
teaching and learning.
Project 2061 htp://www.project2061.org
Project 2061 is the long-term initiative of the American Association for
the Advancement of Science working to reform K-12 science, mathematics,
and technology education nationwide.
III. Commissions and Reports
National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century
http://www.ed.gov/americacounts/glenn
"In March 1999, Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley established a
National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century.
Chaired by astronaut and former Senator John Glenn, the Commission was charged
with creating an action strategy to improve the quality of teaching in mathematics
and science at all grades nationwide. Joining Senator Glenn was a diverse
and talented group of 32 individuals chosen for their broad expertise and
ability to help implement the recommendations that emerged from the deliberations.
These stakeholders in math and science teaching included business and education
leaders; public officials at the Federal, national, State, and local levels;
and teachers of mathematics and science".
TIMMS, Third International Mathematics and Science Study http://nces.ed.gov/timss/
Two large international studies were conducted in 1995 (42 countries, grades
4,8,11) and 1999(38 countries, grade 8) to assess the performance of students
with respect of mathematics and science achievement. Both reports indicate
that the preparation that students in the US receive is "unacceptable".
National Assessment of Educational Progress http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), two reports are available,
The Nations Report Card on Reading (2000) and The Nations Report Card on
Mathematics (August, 2001).
IV. Specific Biology Links
Fast Plants http://www.fastplants.org
V. State Departments of Education
Massachusetts Department of Education http://www.doe.mass.edu
V. Course Templates
Curriculum File Resource Preview Sheet
Scientific Knowledge Chart
Common Knowledge Chart
Benchmarks for Scientific Literacy
Gathering Resources Chart
Instruction Plan for a Unit
Lesson Plan Format
Summative Chart: Skills-Lesson-Assessment
Conceptual Justification for Instructional Sequence
References
