Standard 3: Personal and Social Perspectives in Science And Technology

Students understand the impact of science on human activity and the environment and are proficient in the uses of technology as they relate to science.

READINESS (Kindergarten)

Students know and are able to do the following:

• 3SC-R1. Distinguish between natural and man-made objects

PO 1. Identify natural objects

PO 2. Identify man-made objects

PO 3. Describe differences between natural and man-made objects

• 3SC-R2. Use simple technology (e.g., scales, balances, magnifiers, computers)

PO 1. Demonstrate the proper use of simple technology

FOUNDATIONS (Grades 1-3)

Students know and are able to do all of the above and the following:

• 3SC-F1. Identify occupations that require the application of science and technology

PO 1. Describe occupations that require the application of science and technology

• 3SC-F2. Use scientific findings to propose and evaluate solutions to problems (e.g., water pollution, malnutrition, fire hazards)

PO 1. Identify a problem

PO 2. Use scientific findings to develop solutions

PO 3. Evaluate proposed solutions to the problem

PO 4. Modify solutions to the problem, if necessary

• 3SC-F3. Describe and explain the interrelationship of populations, resources and environments

PO 1. Describe populations, resources and environments (e.g., habitat, ecosystem, food chain)

PO 2. Explain interactions and interdependence among specific populations, resources and environments

• 3SC-F4. Identify and describe how technology contributes to solving problems

PO 1. Identify various technologies (e.g., zipper, paper clips, computers)

PO 2. Describe how various technologies contribute to solving problems

ESSENTIALS (Grades 4-8)

Students know and are able to do all of the above and the following:

• 3SC-E1. Recognize how scientific knowledge, thinking processes and skills are used in a great variety of careers

PO 1. Explain how scientific knowledge and skills are integral to a variety of careers

PO 1. Explain how scientific knowledge, thinking processes and skills are used to solve problems in a variety of careers

PO 1. Describe risks associated with natural and biological hazards

PO 2. Compare risk factors of several natural and biological hazards

PO 1. Analyze the risk factors associated with natural and biological hazards

PO 1. Identify a human or environmental need

PO 2. Describe the various factors affecting the need

PO 3. Propose a solution or product that addresses the need

PO 1. Design a solution or product that addresses a need and considers the factors of an environmental or human problem

• 3SC-E4. Implement a proposed solution or design and evaluate its merit

PO 1. Evaluate the possible strengths and weaknesses of a given solution to a problem

PO 1. Apply a proposed solution to a problem

PO 2. Evaluate the merit of a proposed solution

PROFICIENCY (Grades 9-12)

Students know and are able to do all of the above and the following:

• 3SC-P1. Apply scientific thought processes and procedures to personal and social issues

PO 1. Apply scientific thought processes of skepticism, empiricism,

objectivity and logic to seek a solution to personal and social issues

PO 2. Apply a scientific method to the solution of personal and social issues 

• 3SC-P2. Propose and test, using computer software or common materials, a solution to an existing problem; or design a product to meet a need, using a model or simulation

PO 1. Describe a problem or need

PO 2. Propose a solution to the problem or design a product to meet the need

PO 3. Design a method of testing the solution or design a model or simulation to test the product

PO 4. Carry out the test of the solution or product

PO 5. Evaluate the test results

• 3SC-P3. Compare and contrast the goals of science and technology

PO 1. Define the goals of science and the goals of technology

PO 2. Compare the goals of science and the goals of technology

PO 3. Describe the impact of technology on the life, physical, earth and space sciences

• 3SC-P4. Identify and describe the basic processes of the natural ecosystems and how these processes affect, and are affected by, humans

PO 1. Describe the basic processes of the natural ecosystems (e.g., water cycle, nutrient cycles)

PO 2. Explain how these processes affect, and are affected by, humans

• 3SC-P5. Describe and explain factors that affect population size and growth (e.g., birth and death rates, quality of environment, disease, education)

PO 1. Describe biotic and abiotic factors that affect populations

PO 2. Predict the effect of a change in a specific factor on a population

DISTINCTION (Honors)

Students know and able to do all of the above and the following:

• 3SC-D1. Explore the scientific and technological aspects of contemporary problems; analyze and evaluate proposed solutions