FLDOE FLDOE Science Education 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the 'Nature of Science' strand in Florida's NGSSS Science Standards primarily address?
- Only laboratory safety rules
- The processes, habits of mind, and understanding of how science works as a discipline (Correct answer)
- Memorization of scientific terminology
- History of famous scientists only
Correct answer: The processes, habits of mind, and understanding of how science works as a discipline
Florida's Nature of Science strand addresses scientific processes, reasoning habits, and understanding science as a human endeavor.
Question 2: A Florida science teacher wants to integrate engineering design into a unit on simple machines. Which framework supports this integration?
- Florida NGSSS includes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) connections (Correct answer)
- Florida prohibits engineering in K-8 science
- Only AP Physics teachers may include engineering design
- Engineering is only addressed in vocational education
Correct answer: Florida NGSSS includes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) connections
Florida's NGSSS includes STEM connections and supports integrating engineering design challenges within science instruction.
Question 3: Which Florida policy requires that science textbooks and instructional materials be reviewed for accuracy and alignment to NGSSS?
- Florida Statute 1006.31 — Instructional Materials Review (Correct answer)
- Florida Statute 1003.02 — Teacher Certification
- Florida Statute 1008.25 — Student Progression
- Florida Statute 1001.42 — School Board Powers
Correct answer: Florida Statute 1006.31 — Instructional Materials Review
Florida Statute 1006.31 governs the review of instructional materials to ensure accuracy and alignment to state standards.
Question 4: A Florida middle school science teacher wants to address climate science. What does FLDOE guidance require regarding this topic?
- Climate science must be avoided entirely
- Teachers must present climate as an opinion topic only
- Climate and environmental science benchmarks are included in NGSSS and must be taught (Correct answer)
- Only high school teachers may address climate topics
Correct answer: Climate and environmental science benchmarks are included in NGSSS and must be taught
Florida's NGSSS includes benchmarks on climate and environmental science that must be addressed at appropriate grade levels.
Question 5: Which Florida science education initiative provides grants and resources to improve STEM education in K-12 schools?
- Florida STEM Scholars Program
- Florida Race to the Top STEM initiative and subsequent FLDOE STEM grants (Correct answer)
- Florida Lottery only
- Federal No Child Left Behind science funds only
Correct answer: Florida Race to the Top STEM initiative and subsequent FLDOE STEM grants
Florida has used Race to the Top and subsequent FLDOE STEM grant programs to fund and improve K-12 STEM education statewide.
Question 6: Under Florida's NGSSS, at which grade level is photosynthesis first introduced as a benchmark concept?
- Grade 3
- Grade 5 (Correct answer)
- Grade 7
- Grade 9
Correct answer: Grade 5
Florida's NGSSS introduces photosynthesis as a benchmark concept at Grade 5, building toward deeper study in middle and high school.
FLDOE FLDOE Science Education 2
What does the 'Nature of Science' strand in Florida's NGSSS Science Standards primarily address?