The Science Course of Studies are based on the Ohio Content Standards for science. The Ohio science academic content standards provide all students in the kindergarten through 12th grade program with a set of clear and rigorous expectations. The science standards focus on what all Ohio students need to know and be able to do for scientific literate citizenship, regardless of age, gender, cultural or ethnic background, disabilities or aspirations in science.
The science standards include science concepts, processes and ways of thinking. All Ohio students can apply theses skills and understandings to make informed personal decisions, to accurately communicate with a variety of audiences, to become lifelong learners, and to make successful transitions to postsecondary education and the work force. The Ohio science academic content strands are listed below:
Content Standards: Earth and Space Sciences
Life Sciences
Physical Sciences
Science and Technology
Scientific Inquiry
Scientific Ways of Knowing
You will see the following terms in the course of study document:
Standard: An overarching goal or theme in science. The standard statement describes, in broad terms, what students should know and be able to do as a result of the K-12 program.
Benchmark: A specific statement of what a student should know and be able to do at a specific time in his/her schooling. Benchmarks are used to measure a student's progress towards meeting the standard.
Grade-level Indicator: A specific statement of the knowledge and/or skills that a student demonstrates at each grade level.