Standards

The Next Generation Science Standards have been adopted by most states, with some making modifications to include “local” science content. In Michigan, added state standards such as one focused on the formation of the Great Lakes by glaciers, are indicated with a Michigan-shaped icon next to the standard. It is useful to spend some time diving deeply into the science standards in the Michigan Science Standards. This is because unpacking the standards in science is critical to teaching science or integrated STEM in the early and elementary years. In addition, seeing the way in which both the knowledge (what we want students to know) and the practices (what we want students to be able to do) are both integrated into the standards in our state of Michigan as well as in the national NGSS standards. The crosscutting concepts area also evident in the standards.

When considering the role of standards in science and integrated STEM projects, we have found success in first identifying a focal or anchoring science standard and then determining how a student’s proficiency in that standard’s knowledge and/or skills could be assessed. Finally, individual lessons and learning experiences can be designed that will lead toward student understanding and skill development. Learning targets, instruction, and assessment should all be closely aligned.