Student Goals

Towards the beginning of my Elementary Science Methods course our class came up with a list nine goals for students in a science classroom. 

1. Students will demonstrate a robust understanding of science content.
2. Students will apply problem solving/questioning skills in daily life.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively.
4. Students will effectively communicate ideas (e.g. methods, explanations, information).
5. Students will apply and relate science concepts beyond the science classroom.
6. Students will research and clearly defend their reasoning using credible sources/evidence.
7. Students will demonstrate curiosity.
8. Students will demonstrate self-reflection.
9. Students will use imagination and creativity in their work.

We did end up fleshing out these goals quite a bit and gave examples of how each of these goals could be met by students.  The interesting thing is how these goals are interwoven.  For a student to demonstrate their understanding of science content (1) they must be able to effectively communicate ideas (4).  If a student is to work collaboratively (3) they must also be able to communicate (4).

To be able to apply problem solving skills into daily life (2) a student must be able to apply and relate the science concepts beyond the classroom (5).    To research a subject (6) a student must first be curious about that subject (7).  For a student to defend their reasoning (6) they must communicate effectively (4).

Imagination and creativity (9) along with curiosity (7) provide the motivation while honest self-reflection (8) pushes students to assess their own knowledge and apply what they have learned in meaningful ways. 

It goes on.  Student goals in science are dependent on each-other and must be taught holistically through implicit modeling and explicit instruction.  Each goal supports and is supported by another, for science instruction to be successful these goals must be presented as a whole.