Alabama Course of Study: Science - University of Alabama ...

For information regarding the Alabama Course of Study: Science and other curriculum materials, contact the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) Section, Alabama State Department of Education, 3339 Gordon Persons Building, 50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104; or by mail to P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2101; or by telephone at (334) 353-9151.

Thomas R. Bice, State Superintendent of Education Alabama State Department of Education

The Alabama State Board of Education and the Alabama State Department of Education do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, sex, religion, national origin, or age in its programs, activities, or employment and provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person is responsible for handling inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, Alabama State Department of Education, P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, AL 36130-2101, telephone (334) 242-8165.

Alabama Course of Study

Science

Thomas R. Bice State Superintendent of Education ALABAMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION'S MESSAGE

Dear Educator:

Our vision is "Every Child a Graduate--Every Graduate Prepared!" To be prepared for college and career in the twenty-first century, it is essential that students have access to a high-quality, solid science education. A great number of personal and societal issues require citizens to be scientifically literate and able to make informed decisions based on an understanding of science and technology. In addition, today's workforce depends on graduates who are prepared with necessary scientific and technological skills to address these issues. Our newly developed science standards affirm the importance of science literacy for all students.

The science standards reflect the interconnectedness of the nature of science as experienced in the real world. Science concepts build coherently in depth and rigor across Grades K-12 as students focus on deeper understanding and application of content. The standards in the course of study represent the minimum content required to prepare students for college, career, and citizenship.

The Alabama State Science Course of Study Committee and Task Force developed what I believe to be a superior set of standards that integrate interdisciplinary teaching and learning to guide local school systems in creating local curriculum for implementation in the schools. By using this new course of study as the foundation for what students should know and be able to do, students in the state of Alabama can meet the goal of graduating with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed in post-high school education and the workforce.

MEMBERS of the

ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Governor Robert J. Bentley

President of the State Board of Education

District

I Matthew S. Brown, J.D. II Betty Peters III Stephanie W. Bell IV Yvette Richardson, Ed.D. V Ella B. Bell

Vice President

VI Cynthia Sanders-McCarty, Ph.D. VII Jeffery Newman

President Pro Tem

VIII Mary Scott Hunter

State Superintendent Thomas R. Bice

Secretary and Executive Officer

Thomas R. Bice State Superintendent of Education

2015 Alabama Course of Study: Science

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Alabama Course of Study: Science

Table of Contents

PREFACE...................................................................................................................................... iv

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................................. v

GENERAL INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 1

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ................................................................................................ 2

POSITION STATEMENTS.......................................................................................................... 4

LEARNING PROGRESSIONS ................................................................................................. 11

STRUCTURE OF THE STANDARDS ..................................................................................... 12

DIRECTIONS FOR INTERPRETING THE MINIMUM REQUIRED CONTENT ........... 13

MINIMUM REQUIRED CONTENT

GRADES K-2 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................ 15

Grade K.......................................................................................................................................... 16 Grade 1........................................................................................................................................... 18 Grade 2........................................................................................................................................... 20

GRADES 3-5 OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................... 22

Grade 3........................................................................................................................................... 23 Grade 4........................................................................................................................................... 26 Grade 5........................................................................................................................................... 29

GRADES 6-8 OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................... 32

Grade 6 ? Earth and Space Science ............................................................................................... 33 Grade 7 ? Life Science................................................................................................................... 36 Grade 8 ? Physical Science............................................................................................................ 39

GRADES 9-12 OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................... 42

Physical Science............................................................................................................................. 43 Biology........................................................................................................................................... 46 Chemistry....................................................................................................................................... 49 Physics ........................................................................................................................................... 52 Human Anatomy and Physiology .................................................................................................. 55 Earth and Space Science ................................................................................................................ 58 Environmental Science .................................................................................................................. 61

APPENDIX A. Literacy Standards for Grades 6-12: History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects................................... 64

APPENDIX B. Alabama High School Graduation Requirements............................................ 70

APPENDIX C. Guidelines and Suggestions for Local Time Requirements and Homework ................................................................................................... 71

BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................................ 73

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