Guidelines for Exemplary Mathematics, Science, and Technology Lessons

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This page contains evaluation tools for looking at your Math and Science curricula. The resources on this page are a combination of the SIMSE Math and Science Curriculum Evaluation Tool and some resources put together by teachers under the USWEST grant. The SIMSE guidelines are presented verbatim, while the teachers' guidelines have been paraphrased and edited.

SIMSE Math and Science Curriculum Evaluation Tool

The SIMSE Math and Science Curriculum Evaluation Tool is presented in its entirety on another page, so it can be printed and used.

A Checklist

• Look over the SIMSE guidelines for exemplary math and science lessons and make sure what you plan meets these criteria.
• Are the activities designed to meet the needs of the students you teach? The students in your community?
• Do the activities reflect the latest national and state standards for the teaching of mathematics and science?
• Is the technology used to teach something that would be difficult to teach without the technology?
• Are the concepts being taught worth teaching?
• Do the proposed learning activities promote and value a variety of ways for students to demonstrate their knowledge?
• Do the proposed learning activities require higher-level thinking (application, analysis, synthesis, and/or evaluation)?

Thematic Teaching Template

A template for thematic planning follows. It includes the use of community-based resources, technology tools, and information management skills, strategies sometimes missing from traditional approaches to instruction.

Sciences

Includes Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Scientific Processes and Themes. Should be narrowed to a focus.

Language Arts

Includes speaking, listening, reading, writing, video-taping, acting, singing, journalism, computer presentations, telecommunicating.

Information Processing Skills

You should make a list of the information processing skills that are used in your curriculum.

Community Resources

Includes people and place to go to or bring to the classroom, either physically or electronically. Also includes special events that could be held.

Materials & Technology Tools

Includes books, software, videos, laserdiscs, CD-ROMs, clay, blocks, etc.

Mathematics

Includes core concepts, tools, communication strategies, and power-building.

Other Content Areas

Includes Art, Social Studies, Music, and Movement.