Creating Standards-Based Lessons in Science Faced with the increased use of high stakes tests for graduation and grade promotion, teachers are paying closer attention to the details of science standards that correlate to achievement tests. While standards of learning unquestionably form the basis for instruction, they are not a curriculum, and they certainly are not a set of lesson plans. Armed with knowledge of the subject and an understanding of how students learn most effectively, teachers are responsible for translating standards into a plan for helping students acquire essential science concepts and skills. While teachers know that standards must influence their overall instructional plan, incorporating them into their lessons on a daily basis can be a more elusive task. Fortunately, there are a variety of easily implemented strategies that teachers can use to create dynamic, standards-based lessons that meet the overall objectives for the course. Characteristics of a Standards-Based Science Classroom To begin, there are several essential characteristics of a successful standards-based classroom. They include: Each lesson is designed to address specific concepts or skills identified by the standards. Learning activities are student-centered. Lessons emphasize inquiry and build problem-solving skills. Activities require students to think critically and apply their knowledge. The learning environment is structured to give students adequate time, space, and materials to complete tasks. Assessment is a varied, ongoing process, designed to evaluate both student progress and teacher effectiveness. Strategies for Designing Standards-Based Lessons in Science The following specific strategies will help you to create meaningful student experiences based on the local, state, and national standards that govern instruction in your science classroom. Track the alignment of your lessons with the science standards required by your division. As you teach a unit of study, create a standards chart that shows the lessons, activities, and laboratory investigations completed. Match the content of daily lessons with the standards being covered. As the chart develops, note any trends, patterns, or gaps in coverage of the standards that become apparent. A portion of a sample chart is shown below. What might a teacher learn about his or her instruction from this chart? Physical Science Standard of Learning: The student will investigate and understand the basic nature of matter.   Key concepts particle theory of matter elements, compounds, mixtures, acids, bases, and salts solids, liquids, and gases characteristics of types of matter based on physical and chemical properties physical properties Lesson             What is Matter? Small-group and whole class discussion   The Nature of Solids Lab activity       Separating a Mixture Investigation     Address science standards using a variety of instructional techniques. Account for multiple intelligences and learning styles of students in your class by varying your approaches to instruction. Laboratory investigation, lecture, research, problem-solving activities, and small-group discussion are all examples of a differentiated instructional model that should be part of your teaching repertoire. The chart shown above could also be used to track your instructional delivery mode. Utilize learning stations to cover multiple objectives within a science standard. Establish independent work stations in the classroom based on specific tasks, skills, and concepts within a larger standard. This allows students to explore topics related to a theme using the inquiry approach. It also allows you to spend time with individuals and small groups as necessary. Take advantage of standards-based lesson plans created by national science organizations that are available on the Web. Several reputable, recognized groups manage Web sites that offer science lesson plans and other resources. These plans are typically correlated to national standards, which often form the basis for state and local science standards. The materials offered cover a variety of science subject areas and instructional strategies. Web Sites for Standards-Based Lessons The National Science Teachers Association The NSTA Web site offers a wealth of information, including an overview of the national standards, links to lesson plans that match the standards, and reviews of science-teaching materials written by science educators. Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education The ENC Web site provides lesson plans, curriculum resources, articles about educational topics, and resources for professional development. American Association for the Advancement of Science Here you will find unique Internet-based learning activities that utilize the inquiry approach and cover more than one national science education standard. Develop assessment activities as standards-based lessons. While science assessments should be designed to allow students to demonstrate mastery of specific standards, they do not always have to be formal, written instruments. In addition to your current method of assessment, consider having students perform specific skills, orally describe a given concept, engage in a question-and-answer session with you, or diagram a process to show what they have learned about a topic. These types of activities clearly demonstrate learning, while also solidifying their understanding of specific standards. Visit your state's department of education Web site. Most state sites identify the specific standards for your area. It is also likely to offer resources, lesson plans, sample assessments, and information about state conferences and opportunities for professional development. Visit your textbook Web site for correlations to state content standards. For example, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill offers online guides to textbook materials that correlate directly to your state standards. Online activities and chapter-based content are also often correlated to the standards. This article was contributed by Jennipher Willoughby, a writer and former science and technology specialist for Lynchburg City Schools in Lynchburg, Virginia.