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Project AERO Science Standards Correlation Matrices
Preface
Science standards identify what students should know and be
able to do in science by the end of a particular grade level or
levels. The standards included in this document are Project AERO
Standards for Scientific Inquiry in Grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8.
In this document, the Inquiry Standards have been placed in a matrix
format to assist schools as they apply the standards to their
science programs. The Project AERO Standards for Scientific Inquiry
are listed in the left column. At the right are spaces under
specific grade-level headings, grades K through 8. Teachers and
administrators wishing to ensure that their science program meet the
inquiry standards can use this format to review the specific AERO
Standards statements, then note in the spaces to the right the grade
levels in which the standard is being met. For example, Standard 4.
b. in the Grades 3-5 standards is, "By the end of Grade 5: Use a
variety of scientific tools to collect data." In grades K-2,
children may be involved in a number of weather experiences. During
the early elementary school years children may observe and record
sunny or cloudy days and note precipitation. They may observe and
record cloud types, including cumulus, nimbus, stratus, and cirrus.
They may be encouraged to watch and record TV and radio weather
forecasts. However, using the Project AERO Standard 4.b. as a
guideline, children in grades 3-5 would use ( and maybe even
construct their own) scientific tools to collect weather
information. For example, they may use thermometers to read
temperatures, use barometers to read and record barometric pressure,
construct rain gauges to measure precipitation, and design,
calibrate and use wind speed indicators. Those examples, and/or the
pages in the curriculum they came from, would be marked in the
grades 3, 4, or 5 columns of the matrix to the right of Standard
4.b.
Comparing the learning experiences included in the curriculum to the
standard enables school personnel to discern whether or not the
standard is being met. In the foregoing weather instruments example,
the standard appears to be met. Conversely, if standard 4.b. reveals
only blank spaces in the matrix, and little use of scientific
instruments is evident, this indicates that experiences with a broad
array of scientific instruments—microscopes, telescopes,
calculators, tape measures, balances, etc.) should be added to the
curriculum. It should be noted that a particular standard need not
be met at each and every grade level. For instance, all weather
instrument experiences may be included only at 4th grade, with none
at grades 3 or 5. The 3-5 Standard 4.b. for instrument use would
still be met. And it may also be met and /or reinforced in other
grades and with content topics other than weather.
The matrices may also be used to assess textbook, modules, kits, or
other science curriculum materials being considered for adoption and
use. If a school is using Project AERO Standards, it may wish to
apply the standards to ensure that the considered materials measure
up to AERO’s Inquiry Standards.
Finally, the Standards matrices can be used to assist schools in
constructing their own science curricula. Appropriate science
learning experiences and their grade level placement can be mapped
out for each Project AERO Standard.
Download the Project AERO Science Standards Correlation Matrix Grades K-2
Download the Project AERO Science Standards Correlation Matrix Grades 3-5
Download the Project AERO Science Standards Correlation Matrix Grades 6-8 |
