Any opinions,
findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are
those of the developer, PASSPORT TO KNOWLEDGE, and do not necessarily
reflect those of the National Science Foundation.
Alaska Content Standards
The Alaska Content Standards for science you can cover using "To MARS with MER" are listed below. We hope you will discover additional
standards you can use. These are the ones our Instructional Materials Development team
felt most directly related to the activities planned for "To MARS with MER".
Alaska Content Standards
A student should understand
scientific facts, concepts, principles, and theories.
A student who meets the content standard should:
4. understand models describing the nature of molecules, atoms, and
sub-atomic particles and the relation of the models to the structure
and behavior of matter (Structure of Matter);
7. understand how the earth changes because of plate tectonics, earthquakes,
volcanoes, erosion and deposition, and living things (Processes that
Shape the Earth);
A student should possess and
understand the skills of scientific inquiry.
A student who meets the content standard should:
use the processes of science; these processes include observing,
classifying, measuring, interpreting data, inferring, communicating,
controlling variables, developing models and theories, hypo-thesizing,
predicting, and experimenting;
design and conduct scientific investigations using appropriate instruments;
understand that scientific inquiry often involves different ways
of thinking, curiosity, and the exploration of multiple paths;
understand that personal integrity, skepticism, openness to new ideas,
creativity, collaborative effort, and logical reasoning are all aspects
of scientific inquiry;
employ ethical standards, including unbiased data collection and
factual reporting of results; and
employ strict adherence to safety procedures in conducting scientific
investigations.
A student should understand
the nature and history of science.
A student who meets the content standard should:
know how the words "fact," "observation," "concept," "principle," "law," and "theory" are
generally used in the scientific community;
understand that scientific knowledge is validated by repeated specific
experiments that conclude in similar results;
understand that society, culture, history, and environment affect
the development of scientific knowledge;
understand that some personal and societal beliefs accept non- scientific
methods for validating knowledge;
understand that sharing scientific discoveries is important to influencing
individuals and society and in advancing scientific knowledge;
understand that scientific discovery is often a combination of an
accidental happening and observation by a knowledgeable person with
an open mind;
understand that major scientific breakthroughs may link large amounts
of knowledge, build upon the contributions of many scientists, and
cross different lines of study; and
understand that acceptance of a new idea depends upon supporting
evidence and that new ideas that conflict with beliefs or common sense
are often resisted.
A student should be able to
apply scientific knowledge and skills to make reasoned decisions about
the use of science and scientific innovations.
A student who meets the content standard should:
apply scientific knowledge and skills to understand issues and everyday
events;
understand that scientific innovations may affect our economy, safety,
environment, health, and society and that these effects may be long
or short term, positive or negative, and expected or unexpected;
recommend solutions to everyday problems by applying scientific knowledge
and skills;
evaluate the scientific and social merits of solutions to everyday
problems;
participate in reasoned discussions of public policy related to scientific
innovations and proposed technological solutions to problems; and
act upon reasoned decisions and evaluate the effectiveness of the
action.
