Program

Abstract

Program, as used in science education, can be used to simultaneously define plans for learning science and activities that are ancillary to, and supportive of, that learning. This concurrent meaning is seen in documents such as the National Science Education Standards (National Research Council 1996). This document sets out parameters for the goals, design, development, selection, and adaptation of opportunities for learning science and establishes standards for the content, teaching, and assessment of those opportunities, taking into account the context and policies of the jurisdiction. Drawing from this document, a comprehensive science program should: • Be developed within and across grade levels to meet a clearly stated set of goals • Be developmentally appropriate, interesting, and relevant to students’ lives, emphasize student understanding through inquiry, and be connected with other school subjects • Be coordinated with mathematics teaching and learning to enhance student use and understanding of mathematics in the study of science and to improve student understanding of mathematics • Give students access to appropriate and sufficient resources, including quality teachers, time, materials and equipment, adequate and safe space, and the community