Massachusetts Standards

The Massachusetts Science & Technology Curriculum Framework focuses on the core concept, Owning the Questions - If students are to come to know and own the questions of science and technology, they need to engage with them the way scientists and technologists do. Asking questions and evaluating evidence are central to this inquiry.

This core concept is further defined for the classroom by four strands that are broad statements about what students should know and be able to do as learners of science and technology. Each strand reflects the central rationale of the inquiry process and the importance of owning the questions by focusing on essential knowledge, skills, and strategies that students need in order to become scientifically and technologically literate.

The four Science and Technology Strands are given in the following:

1. Inquiry - Lifelong learners are able to use the methods of inquiry to participate in scientific investigation and technological problem solving.
2. Domains of Science - Lifelong learners are able to understand and apply the principles, laws, and fundamental understandings of the natural sciences.
3. Technology - Lifelong learners are able to understand and apply the design process and the use of technology in society.
4. Science, Technology, and Human Affairs - Lifelong learners understand questions and problems of science and technology in the context of human affairs.

The Water Quality unit is an example of a science and technology curriculum unit that focuses on the core concept and all the strands of the Massachusetts Science & Technology Curriculum Framework.

Reference:
Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks

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