Benchmark Standards – Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade Science

Wissahickon School District
601 Knight Road
Ambler, PA 19002

 

 

This linked document identifies the benchmark standards for grades 4, 7, 10, and 12.  It shows the alignment between the science courses taught K-12 in the District and the Pennsylvania academic standards for Science and Technology and Environment and Ecology.

 

Science and Technology standards address what students should know and be able to do in the following eight areas:

  • 3.1. Unifying Themes of Science
  • 3.2. Inquiry and Design
  • 3.3. Biological Sciences
  • 3.4. Physical Science, Chemistry and Physics
  • 3.5. Earth Sciences
  • 3.6. Technology Education
  • 3.7. Technological Devices
  • 3.8. Science, Technology and Human Endeavors

 

Environment and Ecology address what students should know and be able to do in the following nine areas:

  • 4.1. Watersheds and Wetlands
  • 4.2. Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
  • 4.3. Environmental Health
  • 4.4. Agriculture and Society
  • 4.5. Integrated Pest Management
  • 4.6. Ecosystems and their Interactions
  • 4.7. Threatened, Endangered and Extinct Species
  • 4.8. Humans and the Environment
  • 4.9. Environmental Laws and Regulations

 

The alignment tables contained within identify the individual academic standards addressed in each course and indicate the approximate level (Beginning, Developing, and Secure) of understanding students should have at the conclusion of the course. The following codes are used:

  • B – Beginning (The standard is introduced at this level)
  • D – Developing (Students begin to develop an understanding of the standard at this level and
  • S – Secure (The concepts addressed in the standard are mastered, and can be applied in new situations)
  • N – Not addressed
  • ü – Checkmarks are used to indicate the standard descriptors addressed in the course. These descriptors, which explain the nature and scope of the standard, specify the nature of the standard and the level of complexity needed in meeting that standard in a proficient manner. Descriptors serve to benchmark the standard statement. Curriculum, instruction and assessment should focus on meeting the standard statement.

 

 

Click here to view the benchmark standards: SCIENCE BENCHMARKS (Please note that the tabs at the bottom of this document will lead you to benchmark standards for grade 4, 7, 10 and 12.)