Science 1: Teaching science IN THE ELEMENTARY GRADES CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY
Lesson 1: THE DEPED SCIENCE FRAMEWORK & CURRICULUM KEY STAGES IN K TO 12 Lesson Outcomes At the end of the lesson, the learner should have: 1. Described the science conceptual framework and the curriculum key stages in K-12. 2. Discussed the key stages relative to the grade levels and the two branches of science. 2
Science curriculum framework a. science curriculum framework
THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THE SCIENCE CURRICULUM IS TO PRODUCE WHO ARE SCIENTIFICALLY, ENVIRONMENTALLY, TECHNOLOGICALLY and engineering LITERATE YOUNG ADULTS Science and Technology Literacy (STL)- includes the ability to apply scientific and technological concepts, use the process skills and embrace science attitudes and values in life. 3 COMPONENTS TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL: 1. Understanding and applying scientific knowledge, 2. Performing scientific processes and skills, 3. Developing and demonstrating scientific attitudes and values . INDICATORS: Learners become- Critical and creative problem solver Responsible steward of nature Innovative and inventive thinker Informed decision maker; and Effective communicator
What are the components at the core of the framework? 1. Understanding and Applying Scientific Knowledge A science literate learner UNDERSTANDS what science is and APPLIES processes to know more about science. As a body of knowledge, science is divided into different branches-CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY, PHYSICS and EARTH AND SPACE. 2. Performing Scientific Inquiry Skills In Science, it is not all about knowledge, concepts, ideas, theories, principles that are memorized and understood. The science-oriented mind is a questioning mind. It continues to inquire or wonder. It continues to search for an answer to the question the framework provides. 5
What are the components at the core of the framework? 3. Developing and Demonstrating Scientific Attitudes and Values Positive attitudes that a young science learner should develop: CURIOSITY - an attitude that implies inquisitiveness. A desire for exploration and investigation to learn new knowledge. OPEN-MINDEDNESS – means the willingness to search for evidence before making conclusions. PERSEVERANCE – A positive attitude characterized by patience in doing something persistently even how difficult it is to achieve a goal. SKEPTICISM – a science literate person always leaves a DOUBT BEFORE TOTALLY BELIEVING. The search for EVIDENCE prior to BELIEVING is a rule of thumb. CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION – maximizes the use of an imaginative mind to produce something new. OBJECTIVITY – an attitude that removes bias. A personal opinion or feelings are not considered to represent facts or ideas. 6
What are the approaches, models and practices recommended by the framework? 1 . MULTI-DISCIPLINARY – interrelationships and interaction of different discplines like science and mathematics, science and social studies, science and history and many more . 2. CONTEXTUALLY-BASED – the science curriculum is approached within the context of the learning environment. TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY play a great role in designing learning activities. 3. PROBLEM/ISSUES BASED – believes that science learners should focus not only on the WHAT, but on HOW and WHY they learn. 4. INQUIRY-BASED – based on the idea of seeking information, knowledge or truth. Asking questions to find answers will lead to a better understanding of facts, ideas or information. 7
Time-tested and emerging sound educational pedagogy are recommended: CONSTRUCTIVISM- a learning theory that explains how individuals construct understanding and knowledge through prior learning and reflection. ACTIVE LEARNING or USE OF EXPERIENTAL SCIENCE ACTIVITIES is a nature of constructivism in science. SOCIAL COGNITION- introduced by LEV VYGOTSKY, who asserted that CULTURE is the foundation of individual development. Culture teaches learners both WHAT TO THINK and HOW TO THINK on their own or in groups. LEARNING STYLES – anchored on the premise that learners are created equally but learn differently. The VARK model indentifies Visual, Auditory, Reading and Kinesthetic learners who respond to different kinds of learning. 8
Time-tested and emerging sound educational pedagogy are recommended: - LEARNING STYLES – differentiated instruction and individualized learning. Most common categories of learning style: Visual Auditory Kinesthetic (tactile) 4. BRAIN-BASED LEARNING- a student-centered learning that utilizes the whole brain and recognizes that not all learners learn the same way. It centers around neuroplasticity or remapping of the brain connections when learning concepts. 9
b. Key stages in science curriculum KEY STAGE 1 Standards-Kindergarten to G4 Acquires understanding of the properties of objects around them Practices basic science process skills necessary for the conduct of scientific investigations; and Exhibits curiosity and appreciation of the natural world. KEY STAGE 2 Standards-Grade 5-Grade 8 Acquires knowledge and skills necessary to explain natural phenomena Understands and recalls science concepts and connects them with the information Conducts investigation safely using appropriate equipment; and Communicates scientific observations and ideas accurately 10
b. Key stages in science curriculum KEY STAGE 3 Standards-Grade 9-Grade 12 Applies scientific concepts in designing scientific investigations and or possible solutions to real-world problems; Evaluates scientific evidence in drawing interpretations and conclusions; Exhibits ethical and analytical thinking in making decisions in scientific contexts; and Demonstrates desirable attitudes and skills in conducting scientific investigation. 11
SHORT QUIZ Answer the following questions: 1. What are the most important knowledge, skills and values that I learned based on Lesson 1? 2. As a future teacher, what will I do with what I know? Choose the correct answer from the options given. 1. In the basic components of the framework, all imply that science involves action or doing. Which is not emphasized in the learning of science? A. Memorizing facts, concepts, principles and theories. B. Understanding and Applying Scientific Knowledge C. Developing and Demonstrating Scientific Attitude and Values D. Performing Scientific Inquiry Skills. 2. As future science teacher, what is the ultimate goal of science in the framework that each learner should achieve? A. 21 st Century Literacy B. Science and Technology Literacy C. Science, Technology and Society D. Develop innovators and inventors 12
Science as a subject in the elementary grades should stand alone. This statement is: A. Supportive of the approaches in science teaching B. Contrary to science as multi-disciplinary and integrated C. Advocated in the theories that support science learning D. Acceptable based on the science framework There is no single way of learning science, hence there is no single method that would fit every learner. This belief supports the theory of : A. Constructivism C. Learning Styles B. Social Cognition D. Hands-On, Minds On Creative, critical thinker, innovative, informed decision maker. These are the characteristics of: A. Pure and applied scientists C. Digital natives B. Science and Technology Literates D. None of the A, B, C 13