TEACHING SCIENCE IN THE ELEMENTARY GRADES

Name: _____________________________________________________________________

I. OBJECTIVES
1. Describes the science framework in the k-12.
2. Discusses the framework relative to each grade level.

II. ENGAGE

What do you expect to teach in science? What first come to your mind when you are to teach Science?
In K-12 curricula, what is the national framework for Science in all levels?

STL=Science and Technology Literacy includes the ability to apply scientific and technological concepts,
use the process skills and embrace science attitudes and values in life.

III. EXPLORE
The science framework in the K to 12 involves 3 important components:
1. Understanding and Applying Scientific Knowledge
2. Developing and Demonstrating Scientific Attitude and Values
3. Performing Scientific Inquiry Skills
All science learners who aim to be scientifically and technologically literate should be:
 Critical and Creative Problem Solver
 Responsible steward of nature
 Innovative and Inventive thinker
 Informative decision maker, and
 Effective communicator

As a future teacher, you should bear in mind, that you will be assisting or guiding your learners
to acquire these skills.
Based on the framework, the foundations of scientific and technological literacy are
characterized by the following models, approaches and practices which are fully anchored on several
learning theories:
This means that to teach science for learners to learn, a future teacher like you, will use the
above theories, principle and models in teaching.
 Science and technological literacy is the ultimate goal of science learning. Its development starts
and formally begins in K to a completion of degree and throughout life. A country whose citizens are
Science and technologically literate will be educationally and scientifically advanced.

Three intervening skills that need to be addressed:

1. Understanding and Applying Scientific Knowledge. Science literacy starts with acquisition of
knowledge (ideas, concepts, generalizations, theories). However, such knowledge should be understood
and applied. They should be used in daily life.

2. Performing Scientific Inquiry Skills. Other than understanding and applying scientific knowledge,
learners should perform inquiry skills. What they should be able to do is the performance of inquiry and
based on what they know about inquiry. Scientific inquiry is a systematic approach used by scientists to
answer mind boggling questions.

3. Developing and Demonstrating Scientific Attitudes and Values. It is a very important component of
scientific literacy.

IV. ELABORATE

A. The Components of Scientific and Technological Literacy

 Understanding and Applying Scientific Knowledge
Science consists of two things: a body of knowledge and the process by which
that knowledge is produced. Scientific knowledge is not absolute or certain. Knowledge is
tentative and subject to change due to new evidence brought by advances in theory and
technology. Science knowledge is also socially and culturally embedded.
 Developing and Demonstrating Scientific Attitude and Values
Scientific attitude is a way of thinking, feeling, acting and a disposition towards
science. It can be positive or negative. They are often attributed to characteristics of
scientists, but learners can also develop scientific attitudes. Here are some of the scientific
attitudes:
1. Curiosity-curious about the world
2. Humility-admits failures and recognizes that there are better ideas
3. Open-mindedness-listens and respects the ideas of others
4. Intellectual honesty
5. Perseverance-works hard and persistent
6. Skepticism-does not jump to conclusion
7. Creative and Innovative-creative and critical thinker
8. Rational-uses reason or logical thinking before giving answers
9. Objectivity-willing to suspend judgment until he is sure of his results
10. Innovative-tries new approaches to arrive at solutions

* Performing Scientific Inquiry Skills

To inquire is to ask a series of questions and find answers. The series of
questioning and finding answers to the questions refer to science inquiry.
Students’ abilities needed to enable them to be science inquirer are presented in the
matrix below:
Kindergarten to Grade 4 Grade 5 to Grade 8
Ask questions about objects, organism and Identify questions that can be answered
events in the environment through scientific investigations
Plan and conduct a simple investigation Design and conduct simple investigations
Employ simple equipment and tools to Use appropriate tools and techniques to
gather data and extend the senses gather, analyse and interpret data.
Use data to construct reasonable Develop descriptions, explanations,
explanation predictions and models using evidence.
Communicate investigations and Think critically and logically to make the
explanations. relationship between evidence and
explanations.
B. Approaches, Models and Practices Used in the Framework

Based on the framework, there are dominant approaches, models and practices that can
be used in teaching and learning science in the elementary grades.

1. Multidisciplinary- Use of two or more subject areas in one lesson or activity. Example,
Science and History can go together when the topic is about discoveries and inventions.
2. Science – Technology Society (STS) Approach – examines how science and technology
shape societies, cultures and environments.
3. Problem/Issue Based Learning (PBL)- allows students to focus on how and what they will
learn.

4. Inquiry-based approach is anchored on the idea of seeking for truth, information or

knowledge.

5. Constructivism is a theory that explains about how people learn by constructing their own
understanding and knowledge of the world through prior experiences and reflecting on
those experiences.

6. Social Cognition Learning Model has been introduced by Lev Vygotsky where he asserts
that culture is the primary factor of individual development. Lessons should be designed to
emphasize interaction between learners and learning task. Further appropriate adult help or
scaffolding is needed for independent problem solvers.

7. Learning Style Theory- the VARK model identifies Visual, Auditory, Reading/Riting and
Kinesthetic learners who respond to different kinds of learning. Each individual has a
preference in how they learn.

V. EVALUATE

A. Answer the following questions.

1. What are the most important knowledge, skills and values that I learned?
2. What else do I need to learn to understand the Science Framework for K to 12?
3. As a future teacher, what will I do with what I know?

B. Self-check
1. In the basic components of the framework, all imply that science involves action or
doing. Which is not emphasized in the learning of science? Why do you think it is not
emphasized?

2. As a future science teacher, what is the ultimate goal of science in the framework that
each learner should achieve?

3. What theory supports this belief: There is no single way of learning science, hence
there is no single method that would fit every learner. Give an example of an activity where
a teacher applies the theory.