Standards

The inquiry standards for Middle School are that students learn to identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations and learn to design and conduct an investigation that uses appropriate tools and develops explanations based on evidence that they uncover. Middle school students are to think critically and logically, recognize alternative explanations and predictions and communicate scientific procedures and explanations. They are to use mathematics in all aspects of scientific inquiry.

In Massachusetts, there are a number of stated Middle School science frameworks that are organized in four strands: Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology and Engineering (Mass. DOE, 2001). Each school district must develop curriculum to teach these state frameworks. To ensure that these learning standards are met, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) has been developed and is now considered one of the nation's most demanding assessment systems. Starting in 2003, high school students that do not pass the Mathematics or English MCAS tests will not receive a High School diploma. A Science test is currently being developed and undergoing trials as well. Given these realities, Middle School Science teachers, 60% of whom (in Boston) are not certified in science, face an enormous challenge to effectively teach the science frameworks.