The Ohio Academy of Science: Science Days Program 

Ohio Learning Standards Alignment Document

Science Days is an inquiry-based STEM program developed by the Ohio Academy of Science for students in grades 5-12. Through the application of the scientific method, meta-analysis, or the engineering design process, students explore intriguing questions and provide evidence-based solutions. This program gives students the opportunity to expand their scientific knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them! 

This document aligns the Science Days Lesson Objectives with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Guiding Principles for Ohio’s Learning Standards for Science including Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEP) and 21st Century Skills.  Additionally, it supports the 5-E Learning Cycle instructional model for effective program implementation.

Contents:

1. Science Days Lesson Objectives
2. Science Days 21st Century Skills Objectives
3. 5-E Learning Cycle
4. Teaching Suggestions to compliment the 5-E Learning Cycle
5. Guiding Principles: Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEP) and 21st Century Skills
6. Nature of Science Learning Standards
   

Use this resource to see how each Science Days Lesson Objective aligns with and supports the expectations in Ohio’s Learning Standards for Science.

1. Each Science Days Lesson Objective is aligned to specific Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEP) and phases of the 5-E Learning Cycle. 
   
2. Educators are encouraged to identify the Nature of Science Learning Standards relevant to each Science Days Objective.

Science Days  - Lesson Objectives (for Hypothesis Based Research or Engineering Design Projects)

Ask Questions and Define Problems (SEP 1) (Engage)

1. Develop a focused, researchable question. 
   
2. Articulate a specific problem to be solved. 
   

Generate Multiple Solutions (SEP 6) (Engage)

1. Brainstorm diverse solutions to an identified problem. 
   
2. Evaluate feasibility, practicality, and creativity of ideas. 
   

Generate a Hypothesis or Design Statement (SEP 3,6) (Engage)

1. Write a testable hypothesis. 
   
2. Write a clear design statement. 
   

    Conduct Research (SEP 4,6,8) (Explore)

1. ​Gather credible information and identify knowledge gaps 
   

2. Org​anize information to understand context and address gaps. 
   

3.     Compare findings to identify patterns or discrepancies. 
   

4.     Assess accuracy, reliability, and relevance of information. 
   

5.     List the criteria for success as well as constraints. 

Design Experiments or Prototypes (SEP 2,6) (Explore)

1. Create a detailed design plan including a clear procedure and materials list. 
   
2. Incorporate human-centered design principles. 
   

Identify Methods to Collect Data (SEP 3) (Explore)

1. Develop methods for data collection.  Consider sample sizes and number of trials to ensure validity and reliability. 
   

Analyze and Interpret Data (SEP 4, 5) (Explain)

1. Use statistical methods to analyze and interpret data. 
   
2. Organize data with graphs, charts, and diagrams. 
   

Construct Explanations of Results (SEP 4,5,6,7,8) (Explain, Elaborate)

1. Describe what the data shows including trends, relationships, and anomalies.
   
2. Compare results with those from other studies. 
   
3. Explain whether the results supported the hypothesis or design statement. 
   
4. Provide a scientific explanation for why these results were obtained. 
   
5. Discuss experimental errors. 
   

Report Results Factually (SEP 7,8) (Explain, Elaborate)

1. Present findings clearly and without bias. 
   
2. Distinguish evidence-based conclusions from opinion. 
   

1. Propose potential changes to be made based on results. 
   
2. Suggest areas for further investigation.
   
3. Explain the importance of this research and how the results could benefit others. 
   

Cite Sources (SEP 8) (Explore)

1. Credit all sources using standardized formats. 
   

Present Research Findings (SEP 8) (Evaluate)

1. Communicate objectives, methods, and results through presentations. 
   
2. Respond to audience questions confidently. 

                                                                       

Science Days 21st Century Skills Objectives

Collaboration 

1. Work effectively in teams, embracing empathy, active listening, and inclusive participation. 
   

Problem-Solving

1. Use critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and an iterative process to define problems and generate solutions. 
   

Communication 

1. Share ideas clearly with visual tools, active listening, and storytelling to explain solutions. 
   

Adaptability

1. Adjust ideas based on feedback, persist through setbacks, learn from failures, and remain flexible in roles within group work to meet the team’s needs. 
   

Time Management 

1. Prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
   

Self-Regulation

1. Reflect on progress, set goals, and adjust as needed.
   

Empathy

1. Understand user-needs to create human-centered solutions. 
   

1. Practice FIRST—Model each step of the process
2. Provide a Checklist with Deadlines
3. Offer Early Finisher Activities
4. Encourage Students to Seek Assistance
5. Review and Provide Feedback Regularly--It is recommended to review student work after completion of each “Section” of the online Student Workspace Template or Student Workbook.  Utilize the Science Day Student Progress Spreadsheet to track progress and identify check points.

6. Facilitate Peer Discussions
7. Offer One-on-One Support
8. Provide Mentorship
9. Allow Group Work

Science Days Resources: 

Science Days Program Information

Science Days Website

Teacher Guide to Science Days 

Student Guide to Science Days

Science Days Teaching Resources

ProjectBoard

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Resources for Science

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce - Ohio Materials Matter

Contact Information:

The Ohio Academy of Science

5930 Wilcox Pl., Suite F

Dublin, OH 43016

T 614-389-2182

info@ohiosci.org

Reference:

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Ohio’s Learning Standards for Science: https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Science/Ohios-Learning-Standards-and-MC/SciFinalStandardsMC060719.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US