Best Practices - High (9-12)
"Science distinguishes itself from other ways of knowing
and from other bodies of knowledge through the use of empirical standards,
logical arguments, and skepticism.”
--National Science Education Standards |
High school students can deal with abstract thought in these years and should
learn to distinguish between theories backed by valid evidence and logical arguments.
New concepts to be introduced include risk analysis and technology assessment.
The nature and importance of prediction involves the emphasis of the use of
statistics, probability and modeling.
The classroom should be engaged in learning when scientists can control conditions
and when it is not possible or ethical. There are many facts and theories to
learn in high school but for that knowledge to be internalized so the student
remembers and can use the knowledge depend on how the classroom is organized.
Best practice in the high school classroom should include balance between the
study of scientific facts and theories with the history and cultural roots of
those discoveries.
Students should know that the progress in science and invention depends heavily
on what else is happening in society.
Courses are separated in high school such as physics and biology and chemistry
and each have distinct techniques and outcomes sought but they share a common
purpose and are all part of the same scientific world. Working with the different
disciplines will help students see the opportunities in further studies and
careers.
Different teams can work on different aspects of a problem and have a rich
discussion while teaching the rest of the class their area of expertise.
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