NYS Science Learning Standards
The mission of the New York State Science Initiative is to create a statewide population that is scientifically literate by ensuring an inquiry-centered curriculum and instruction that is consistent with the recommendations of the National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks of Science Literacy: Project 2061.
The initiative strives to take the focus off of rote memorization of words and details by focusing instead on the understanding of concepts, relationships, processes, mechanisms, models and applications. Students will then be expected to demonstrate their understanding, to explain themselves thoroughly, to creatively exhibit problem solving and reasoning and to make informed decisions.
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Elementary Level Science
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The elementary level science program is specifically for grades kindergarten through fourth. It emphasizes an approach to learning that is hands-on and minds-on. Students are encouraged to explore and interact with the natural world using their natural curiosity.
Upon completion of the fourth grade, students are required to successfully pass the New York State Program Evaluation Test in Science (ESPET) which is a standardized test that gauges how well students acquired the content, concepts and skills in the New York State Elementary Science Syllabus; the New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and the Elementary Level Science Core Curriculum.
Intermediate Level Science
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The intermediate level science program is specifically for grades fifth through eighth. It concentrates on the development of science process skills based on a series of discoveries. It is demonstrated to students that the most effective way to learn is when they play a central role in the discovery process.
In order to pass eighth grade, students are required to take and pass the the Grade 8 Intermediate-Level Science Test (ILS) which is a standardized test designed to demonstrate how well students have attained the necessary knowledge of the skills, concepts and content in the New York State Intermediate Science Syllabus; New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science, Technology; and the Intermediate Level Science Core Curriculum.
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Living Environment
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The senior level core program that focuses on living environment (biology) is based mainly on Standard 4 of the New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science, and Technology which states: "Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science."
Students are encouraged to develop proficiency in certain laboratory skills in the course of participating in this program as a means of ensuring that they successfully conduct investigations in biological science. Their proficiency in performing these laboratory skills is evaluated on the New York State Living Environment assessment.
Earth Science
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The senior level earth science program is based on Standards 1, 2, 6, and 7 which are as follows:
Standard 1--"Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions. "
Standard 2--"Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information, using appropriate technologies."
Standard 6--"Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science, and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning."
Standard 7--"Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions."
Chemistry
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The chemistry program is based on the same standards as the earth science program. Additionally, students are required to, at the end of their coursework, demonstrate mastery of skills, knowledge, and real-world understanding in the following ten areas: atomic concepts; the periodic table; moles/stoichiometry; chemical bonding; physical behavior of matter; kinetics/equilibrium; organic chemistry; oxidation-reduction; acids, bases, and salts; and nuclear chemistry.
Physics
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The physics program is comprised all of the Standards covered in the previous science programs. All physics courses are required to encourage students to develop an appreciation of the major developments that have contributed to noteworthy advancements in the field, centered around the following main themes: Greek origins, mechanical foundations, subatomic investigations, cosmic developments, and the age of the transistor.
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