Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science

1 Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science Introduction February 2020 2 Table of Contents Introduction 3 Grade 8 74 Prekindergarten 9 physical Science 86 Kindergarten 10 Chemistry 98 Grade 1 15 Physics 110 Grade 2 21 Biology 124 Grade 3 26 Earth and Space Science 143 Grade 4 34 Environmental Science 154 Grade 5 42 Grade 6 50 Grade 7 63 Oklahoma Academic Standards Science Introduction February 2020 3 Introduction The Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science are the result of the contributions of hundreds of Science educators, representatives of higher education, and community members.

2 This document reflects the collaborative work of all members of the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science Writing and Draft Committees. The Standards specify what students should know and be able to do as learners of Science at the end of each grade level or Science course. The order of the Standards at any grade level is not meant to imply a sequence of topics and should be considered flexible for the organization of any course. The Oklahoma Academic Standards describe the specific areas of student learning that are considered the most important for proficiency in the discipline at a particular level and provide a basis for the development of local curricula and statewide assessments.

3 The Standards are not a curriculum and they do not represent a scope, sequence, or curriculum guide. They provide a framework for schools and teachers to develop an aligned Science curriculum. They are also designed as coherent progressions of learning in grades PreK-12, intended to be used as a whole, ensuring all students are provided opportunities to experience Science at each grade K-8 and various courses at high school. Although instruction may go beyond Standards , using only a portion of the Standards will leave gaps in the scientific understanding and practices of students.

4 The Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science were informed by the 2014 Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science , The Framework for K-12 Science Education (National Academies of Science , 2010), the Next Generation Science Standards (Achieve, Inc., 2012), and other states Standards documents. Science is a way of knowing, a process of using observations and investigations to gain knowledge and understanding of the physical and natural world. The PreK-12 Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science place an emphasis on students being active learners.

5 They showcase that it is not enough for students to read about Science ; they must do Science . Students must engage in planning and carrying out investigations, making observations, asking questions, analyzing data, constructing explanations, engaging in argument from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information to gain the Science knowledge and skills to be college, career, and citizen ready upon graduation from high school. Oklahoma Academic Standards Science Introduction February 2020 4 Science Strands Overview The Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science , K-12 are three-dimensional performance expectations representing the things students should know, understand, and be able to do to be proficient in Science and engineering.

6 Performance expectations are considered Standards and include a Science and engineering practice (everyday skills of scientists and engineers), disciplinary core ideas ( Science ideas used by scientists and engineers), and crosscutting concepts (ways of thinking like scientists and engineers). The PreK Standards emphasize one dimension; the Science and engineering practices. This provides early learners with ample time for exploratory play and background experiences that will inform learning experiences K-12.

7 Performance Expectation: Each Performance Expectation is built upon recommendations in A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the three dimensions of Science . 1. Science and Engineering Practices 2. Disciplinary Core Ideas 3. Crosscutting Concepts (NRC, 2012, p. 2) The following additional components in the standard documents serve as support for instructors in providing clarity and further guidance for each Performance Expectation. Clarification Statement: Where needed, a Clarification Statement accompanies a Performance Expectation.

8 The aim of a Clarification Statement is to provide further explanation or examples to better support educators in understanding the aim of the Performance Expectation. Assessment Boundary: Where applicable, an Assessment Boundary accompanies a Performance Expectation in order to provide additional support for educators in understanding the intent of the Performance Expectation and its relation to other Performance Expectations in the learning progression. Teachers should utilize the Assessment Boundaries as tools for developing curriculum and local assessments.

9 For 5th grade, 8th grade, Biology, and physical Science (s) the Assessement Boundaries will be utilized to inform the development of the state summative Academic achievement assessments. Oklahoma Academic Standards Science Introduction February 2020 5 Dimension 1: Science and Engineering Practices The Science and Engineering Practices describe the major practices that scientists employ as they investigate and build models and theories about the world, and a key set of engineering practices that engineers use as they design and build systems.

10 Performance Expectations that emphasize engineering are designated with an asterik *. The eight Science and engineering practices are: Asking Questions and Defining Problems A practice of Science is to ask and refine questions that lead to descriptions and explanations of how the natural and designed world(s) works. Engineering questions clarify problems to determine criteria for successful solutions. Developing and Using Models A practice of both Science and engineering is to use and construct models as helpful tools for representing ideas and explanations.