Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-3-3-.07.03

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 290-3-3-.07.03 - Middle-Level General Science (Grades 4-8)

(1) Rationale. The middle-level General Science program prepares teachers to use the Alabama Course of Study: Science and other guides to provide instruction in science. The standards build upon the Alabama Core Teaching Standards and are guided by tenets of the Association for Middle Level Education.

(2)Program Curriculum. In addition to meeting Rules 290-3-3-.02(6) (a) 1.-4., 290-3-3-.02(6) (e)1. and 2.(i) - (iii), 290-3-3-.03, 290-3-3-.04, and 290-3-3-.07(1) (a) 1. and (2), the program shall prepare prospective middle-level general science teachers who demonstrate knowledge of scientific and engineering practices; the crosscutting concepts of science; the disciplinary core ideas of physical sciences, life sciences, and Earth and space sciences; engineering, technology, and applications of science; the history and nature of science; and science safety.

(a)Scientific and Engineering Practices. Prior to program completion, prospective teachers demonstrate ability to:

1. Ask questions (science) and define problems (engineering)/

2. Develop and use models.

3. Plan and carry out investigations.

4. Analyze and interpret data.

5. Use mathematics and computational thinking.

6. Construct explanations (science) and design solutions (engineering).

7. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information.

8. Engage in argument based on evidence.

(b)Crosscutting Concepts. Prior to program completion, prospective teachers demonstrate knowledge of:

1. Patterns.

2. Cause and effect, including mechanism and explanation.

3. Scale, proportion, and quantity.

4. Systems and system models.

5. Energy and matter, including flows, cycles, and conservation.

6. Structure and function.

7. Stability and change.

(c)Disciplinary Core Ideas. Prior to program completion, prospective teachers demonstrate knowledge of:

1.Physical Sciences.

(i) Matter and its interactions.

(ii) Energy.

(iii) Motion and stability.

(iv) Waves and their applications in technologies for information transfer.

(v) The periodic table and how to use it to predict the physical and chemical properties of elements.

(vi) Types of chemical bonding and the composition of simple chemical compounds.

2.Life Sciences.

(i) Basic structure and function of cells and their organelles.

(ii) Basic cell reproduction.

(iii) Basic biochemistry of life.

(iv) Basic genetics.

(v) Heredity.

(vi) Elements of hierarchical classification schemes and the characteristics of the major groups of organisms.

(vii) Major structures and functions of plant organisms and systems.

(viii) Basic anatomy and physiology of animals, including structure and function of human body systems and the major differences between humans and other animals.

3.Earth and Space Sciences.

(i) Physical and historical geology.

(ii) Earth's place in the universe.

(iii) Structure and processes of Earth's oceans and other bodies of water.

(iv) Basic astronomy and meteorology, including major factors that affect climate and seasons.

(v) How human activity impacts the Earth and Earth's systems.

4.Engineering, Technology, and the Applications of Science.

(i) The nature and history of science.

(ii) Engineering design.

(iii) The impact of science and technology on the environment, public health issues, and society.

(iv) Major issues associated with energy production and the management of natural resources.

(v) Applications of science and technology in daily life.

5.Science Safety.

(i) Procedures for safe and correct storage, use, care, and disposal of equipment, specimens, and materials.

(ii) How to ensure safety in the science classroom and laboratory.

(4)Science Instruction. Prior to program completion, prospective teachers demonstrate ability to use the Alabama Course of Study: Science and other guides to provide research-based instruction so that students are able to:

1. Participate in opportunities for investigation, observation, and explanation of a variety of scientific phenomena.

2. Participate in specific engineering design projects to:

(i) Find answers regarding which components of a device change energy from one form to another.

(ii) How wave patterns can be used to transfer information.

(iii) How to limit the effects of harmful natural Earth processes on human life.

(iv) Find answers regarding which methods can be used to clean a polluted environment.

(v) How to modify the speed of a falling object due to gravity.

(vi) Develop their abilities to work in cooperative groups to design solutions to problems encountered in the real world.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-3-3-.07.03

Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVII, Issue No. 07, April 30, 2019, eff. 5/26/2019.

Author: Dr. Eric G. Mackey

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 16-3-16, 16-23-14.