21st+Century+Content+Area+Page


 * 21st Century Content Area Page**

Science is, by its nature, a creative human endeavor. Scientific and technical innovations are advanced through processes that build on prvious knowledge and the application of theory to real world situations. Modern societal and environmental challenges require new and creative scientific and technical approachesm, as well as investigations that are more cross-disciplinary.
 * Creativity and Innovation**

Students explain how scientific understaning builds on itself over time, and how advancements in science depend on creative thinking based on knowledge and innovation of others.
 * Outcome**

After a unit on simple machines students will create a machine that performs a simple task. Students will create a wind-powered machine that lifts a weight. The task is to lift as many paper clips as possible using simple materials such as cardboard, tape, string, and straws. 21st century skills would include using google docs to collaborate with partners on listing machines used, creating a design. Students will report on how the design uses simple machines, and which simple machines are used.
 * Example**

Being information literate in the context of science involves assessing the credibility, validity, and reliability of information, including its source and themethods through which the information and related data are derived, in order to critically interpret scientific arguments and the application of science concepts.
 * Information Literacy**

Students are able to determine the verifiablilty of evidence presented in print and electronic resources to evaluate scientific claims.
 * Outcome**

Chemistry students study a unit in Nuclear Chemistry. As part of the unit, they need to determine facts of having a nuclear power plant in their area. Students determine fact from fiction, and evaluate risks versus benefits of dealing with nuclear energy. Students will work in groups of about three to present information to the class based on results of thier findings.
 * Example**

The high ethical standards and colalborative nature of science promote expectations for accountability and productivity. Scientists use a variety of tools and instruments to enhance their ability to produce and replicate accurate data, and to meet expectations for sharing their findings with the scientific community and general public.
 * Productivity & Accountability**

Student can describe and provide examples of how people may be impacted positively or negatively by the outcomes of scietific studies, technical developments, and scientific approaches applies to real world problems
 * Outcome**

Students in an astronomy class will collaborate as a group to determine which region of the United states would best be suited for a training facility for students in a space program, and which would be best suited for a ship building area. Included in this would be a discussion of environmental impact, economic impact, and accessability of personnel.
 * Example**

Science involves a code of conduct that is openly and frequently discussed, with high standards for ethical responsibilty around referency the work of other, drawing conclusions based on evidence, recognizing potential for bias, avoiding political and financial influence, constructing and conducting safe investigations, and appropriatley applying research results and other scientific knowledge.
 * Leadership & Responsibility**

Students recognize the role of science in society and can identify potential sources of bias and influence that can affect scientific research and the use and reporting of scientic information.
 * Outcome**

Students in an enviromental science class gather information about wind generators from a variety of sources. They document the location and format of the information, what organizations or individuals published it, how it was funded, and the key arguments of statements made. They analyze and categorize the informationto determine potential biases and to distinguish opinion and hearsay from claims based on evidence
 * Example**