The major science content understandings in this framework are based upon those discussed in Benchmarks for Scientific Literacy (AAAS, 1993) and the emerging national science education standards. Emphasis in this framework is placed distinctly on the big ideas and concepts of science-those that have the potential for a lasting and meaningful effect on the world, or on the physical and mental well-being of humanity. The details and facts, so often the primary emphasis of today's science teaching, must only be stressed to the degree that they shed light upon and help to further develop these big ideas. Based upon recommendations in the two sets of standards cited above, we have chosen to separate the content section of this framework into three broad categories - the physical setting, the living world, and science and technology as a human endeavor.

The Physical Setting

The physical setting focuses on the structure of matter and the universe and the major forces and processes that shape it. Concepts related to the universe, the earth, the processes that shape the earth, the structure of matter, energy transformations, motion, and the forces of nature are subsumed under this heading. Students will learn about aspects of the universe and our solar system and the processes that fashion these vast systems. They will learn about the earth, about its history, and future potential, and especially about the processes that affect it and make it such a dynamic system. They will also study matter, learning characteristics of various particles, elements, and compounds and explore how various substances interrelate and interact. Energy, including its many forms, transformations, and effects on the world, is another major ingredient. Students will study moving bodies and the laws that govern their motion as well as the complex forces that act upon bodies. Scientific investigations of the physical world should take place in the classroom, in the laboratory, in outdoor settings, in neighborhoods, and at resources such as museums, amusement parks, and industries that significantly utilize scientific concepts.

The Living World

The living world includes all aspects of our world that relate to life. These include the diversity of life, the transfer of inheritable characteristics from one generation to another, the cellular structure of living organisms, the interdependence of all organisms and their environments, the flow of matter and energy in living systems, how living things change over time, and the human organism. [8] Elementary students begin their study with concrete experiences in their immediate "neighborhood." This includes plants and pets found at home, in the park, and in the classroom. Gardening is a great entrance for elementary children into the wonders of the living world. Gardening also offers students an avenue to become aware of physical attributes such as soil and moisture and how they affect the living world. Plants, birds, insects - all become fascinating parts of a system into which young gardeners plant themselves!

Since middle-school students are entwined with their own changes and development, it makes sense to address human biology at this time. On the other hand, high school is the time for a look at the living world in greater detail. While viewing one's role in the living world is an essential element of science throughout all grades, the high school program emphasizes each individual's responsibility as a steward of the world. Understanding the interdependence of all organisms and viewing oneself as an essential contributor to the success of all living and physical aspects of the universe can only come with maturity in scientific understanding.

Science and Technology as a Human Endeavor

Science is often taught in a manner that conveys only the dry facts of what is known and how we know it, yet students of all ages are eager for meaning and connections to their own world. This section of the big ideas of science focuses on making sense of science relative to today's world and to the place of humanity in that world. For example, understanding the religious and political influences that helped to keep Gregor Mendel's work "lost" during the late nineteenth century gives added meaning and context to his work. It also sheds light on the ways in which people affect science. This section of the framework makes connections between the history of science, the nature of science as inquiry, and the application of science and technology to the world today. It helps students understand how personal, social, economic, cultural, and political beliefs influence science and technology. Galileo was persecuted by religious leaders for promoting the Copernican theory of heliocentricity. The agricultural industry of the South was revolutionized by George Washington Carver following the demise of "cotton as king." Today, questions related to genetic engineering, pesticides, folk medicine, and space exploration represent only a few of the topics that are intertwined in science and technology endeavors.

Science and technology as human endeavors can be viewed from the multiple perspectives of the designed world, the history and nature of science, as well as of science, technology and society. The designed world is the result of human engineering solutions applied to real-world problems in such areas as agriculture, manufacturing, energy resources, health, technology, communication, and information processing. [9] The history and nature of science examine the contribution of people to scientific understanding and stress scientific inquiry as a problem-solving technique occurring across time and cultures. The contribution to, and relationship with, the politics, economics, and values of society are examined in this section.

Elementary school students will learn that humans are the cause of many environmental problems and, therefore, must develop the cure for these problems. Middle school students will learn that science influences and is influenced by the culture, economics, history, and politics of a society. High school students examine how the earth's natural resources must be carefully managed and conserved if they are to be available for future generations.

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