This module introduces the ideas and resources that form the foundation of lesson planning. To complete this module:
- Review the VA Science Standards of Learning in grades K-6. Once you have done this, select one grade level to focus on and review the associated Curriculum Framework document.
- In your Scientist’s Notebook, make some notes about the content of your chosen grade. What will students be learning over the year? What do you think will be challenging for them to master? Which part of the curriculum are you most comfortable with? Least comfortable with? What are you excited to teach? What topics seem less attractive to you?
- Review science pacing guides from at least 2 different school divisions in Virginia. Don’t worry if the guide posted is not for the current academic year.
- Accomack County Public Schools Elementary Pacing Guides
- Amherst County Curriculum and Pacing Guides
- Charlottesville City Schools Family Pacing Guides
- Colonial Heights Science and Social Studies Pacing
- Dinwiddie Public Schools Science Curriculum (scroll to bottom)
- Gloucester County Elementary Science Curriculum Resources
- Halifax County (Use the menu on the left to select a grade to review documents)
- Hampton City Schools Science at Home Outlines
- Lexington City Schools Pacing Guides (No K-2 Science)
- Loudon County Pacing Guides
- Lunenburg County Schools Pacing Guides for Grades K-5
- Powhatan County Science (Click on Course Outline: Elementary Science/STEM)
- Pulaski County Pacing Guides
- Roanoke County Public Schools Science
- Russell County Pacing Guides
- Virginia Beach Parent Student Course Information
- Complete a brief comparison chart of the school division pacing guides in your Scientist’s Notebook. Where are they the same? Where are they different? Do they provide the same amount of time for each topic? Is the curriculum organized and ordered in the same manner?
For this module, you will NOT compose a reflective entry. Your entry will be your responses to the activities and questions listed above.