Understanding the New Science Standards

Richard McDonald, the science curriculum leader for Hampton City Schools, discusses the changes in the science standards of learning. The new standards emphasize science skills, real-world applications, and the nature of science. The curriculum has been updated for consistency and includes new discoveries and Virginia-specific content. The assessment has become more rigorous, with technology-enhanced items like graphing, drag-and-drop, hot spot, and fill-in-the-blank questions. Parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the standards and help their children prepare for the tests.

Who were involved in the adoption of the new science standards in 2010?

• Only industry leaders

• Only teachers

• Only parents

• Teachers, parents, and industry leaders

What is a key focus of the updated science curriculum?

• Focusing solely on theoretical knowledge

• Learning historical scientific discoveries

• Memorizing scientific facts

• Applying science concepts to real-world situations

What is the 'nature of science' in the new curriculum?

• A new science subject

• A new scientific theory

• A broad concept including the scientific method

• A focus on historical science

What is a significant change in the science assessment?

• More multiple-choice questions

• Inclusion of technology-enhanced items

• Less emphasis on critical thinking

• Shorter test duration

What percentage of the test will technology-enhanced items comprise?

• 25%

• 20%

• 15%

• 10%

Which of the following is NOT a type of technology-enhanced item?

• Graphing questions

• Multiple-choice questions

• Drag and drop questions

• Hot spot questions

In a drag and drop question, what must a student do?

• Type the answer in a text box

• Move items to a designated area on the screen

• Draw a diagram

• Select the correct answer from a list

What is required for a student to receive credit in a hot spot question?

• Type the answer in a text box

• Draw a graph

• Select one correct answer

• Select all correct answers

How can parents help their children prepare for the new science assessments?

• Ignore the new standards

• Become familiar with the standards and take practice tests

• Focus only on math skills

• Rely solely on classroom learning

Where can parents find resources for the new science standards?

• Television programs

• Social media

• Virginia Department of Education website

• Local library