Every teacher has a set of essential tools they generally rely upon—approaches, activities, and basic materials—to make teaching efficient and learning enjoyable. Your digital toolbox (Google site) for science will contain various resources related to the grade level you choose to focus on.
Each piece in the toolbox will exist as a separate page on your Google site. Each page should include the related SOL and a short narrative describing how the resource will be used. Your toolbox must include the components described below.
Home – This is the landing page for your site. You should explain what can be found on the site and how to navigate it. Be sure to indicate the grade level on this page and in the header or title of your site. You should also provide basic author information (about you).
Content – Using the Standards of Learning as a guide, provide an overview of the main topics taught in this grade level. (You will find the introductory paragraph in the standards helpful here.) Also Include a copy of the Standards of Learning and the Curriculum Framework.
Background Information – This page will include background information related to the main topics taught in your grade. Divide the page into the following categories:
- Scientific and Engineering Practices
- Earth and Space Science
- Life Science
- Physical Science
For each category, provide an annotated list of resources (books and/or digital resources) that will not be used with students but will instead provide teachers with background information and scientific explanations.
Here is a general resource for APA format.
Annotated Bibliography of Children’s Literature – The page will include an annotated bibliography of children’s books for teaching the topics associated with the grade level. Books selected must come from various genres and nonfiction types and span a range of reading levels. While most of the selected titles will be picture books, at least one must be a chapter book (fiction) for read-aloud or small group reading that includes science content. Divide the page into the following categories:
- Scientific and Engineering Practices
- Earth and Space Science
- Life Science
- Physical Science
You will find a list of topics that should be addressed in each grade in the file Science Topics by Grade.
See the page Annotated Bibliography Entries for information on the content and format of your entries.
Here is a helpful resource for APA format for children’s books or other illustrated references.
Annotated Bibliography of Digital Resources – The page will include an annotated bibliography of digital resources for supporting instruction at this grade level. Digital resources (videos, websites, or apps) appropriate for students should be included here. (Do NOT select subscription resources that require paid accounts, such as BrainPop.) Divide the page into the following categories:
- Scientific and Engineering Practices
- Earth and Space Science
- Life Science
- Physical Science
Each resource entry must include:
- a screenshot
- a link to the resource
- a reference in APA format
- a brief summary (annotation) written in your own words
- a suggestion regarding how the resource might be used
- an SOL connection.
Here is a helpful resource for APA format for electronic sources.
Here is a helpful resource specifically for APA format for Youtube videos.
Annotated Bibliography of Teacher Resources – This page will include an annotated bibliography of resources (text and/or digital) that provide instructional ideas for teachers. Divide the page into the following categories:
- Scientific and Engineering Practices
- Earth and Space Science
- Life Science
- Physical Science
For each category, provide links to resources for lesson plans, unit plans, hands-on activities, and assessment.