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Family Support for Science

This guide focuses on science and includes resources for creating routines at home after school, understanding how children develop their scientific reasoning skills and practices, what tests they take in school to track their growth, how to set up a conference with teachers, and where to turn for additional support along the way.

What should my child learn in science?

The 2018 Science Standards of Learning provide the expectations of what children are to know and do in science in Virginia. Children learn about the natural world as they develop and use the scientific and engineering practices. As children are introduced to different natural structures or processes in their school or community, they begin to question the world around them. Children in science should plan and conduct investigations, develop models to show their understanding, and use data to explain their understanding of science concepts.

What are the major milestones for children at each grade band?

In Grades K-2, children begin to explore the world around them by utilizing their senses to discover patterns and investigate how and why patterns occur.

In Grades 3-5, children develop a deeper understanding of what a system is and how different systems occur in the natural world. Additionally, children learn how natural events (e.g., hurricanes) can impact different systems.

In middle school, children engage in a more focused approach to learning about their environment, living systems, and the physical world, and have an introduction to chemistry and physics.

High school is the time where children can pursue different pathways in their science coursework, allowing them to both explore interests and to prepare them for academic and career pursuits.

What support is available if my child is struggling with science?

As parents, it is difficult to see a child struggle in school. Science occurs around us every day and bringing an awareness of the different ways science impacts your child’s life can help build an understanding of science.

Take your child outdoors and talk about the animals and plants that are outside.
Go to the playground and discuss the forces that occur when your child goes down a slide.
Free Online Courses, Lessons & Practice from Khan Academy provide free, online lessons for parents to support your child at home with various science topics.
Each division and school have a set of resources available for parents based on the needs of the community.

Engaging in conversation with the world around us is the best way to support children in their scientific learning.

What if my child is disengaged or bored at school?

Various learning pathways are available to children in Virginia’s schools based on their personal and future career interests.

Each child is required to complete an academic and career plan aligned to the 3E Readiness Framework (enlistment, employment, enrollment) that is signed by the parent and outlines the courses and experiences that will connect personal and career interests to 3E experiences in high school toward sustainable career pathways post-graduation. Families are encouraged to engage children outside of school by taking them to a museum, a robotics competition, a racetrack, or other community event to show them that science extends to many different careers.

If a child is not being challenged in their current science instruction, a parent should meet with the child’s teacher and guidance counselor about opportunities for advanced math courses that accelerate his or her progress in school. Many schools have virtual, self-paced science courses available in middle school to help challenge advanced learners.

Schools are responsible for engaging students, so that they are ready for college, the military, or a career after high school graduation. This includes preparing high school students according to the 3E Readiness Framework with engaging, rigorous experiences both inside the classroom and in collaboration with employers and postsecondary education partners outside of the classroom. This can include hands-on career exploration activities, clinical or apprenticeship experience toward high-wage, high-demand industry credentials, or college-ready dual enrollment courses taken at the high school or at the local community college to earn transferable college credits in a wide variety of science-related fields. The 3E Readiness Framework resource provides parents with resources to discuss your concerns about student engagement and opportunities with your child’s teacher or principal.

What resources are available to support families in science?

A variety of free resources are available to for families to use in supporting their child in science. This webpage provides information about resources for parents to support their children with scientific investigation. The Commonwealth of Virginia hosts a summer program for advanced juniors or seniors hosted by universities in Virginia. Additional information is available for families who are interested in this opportunity for their child is available on the VDOE website. Resources for gifted learners and their families can also be found through the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and the Virginia Association for the Gifted. Detailed resources for families with English Language Learners or students with disabilities can be found in the table below.

Science Resources for Grades K-12

National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition Family Toolkit	Parents can use tools to support student understanding of English as they explore the natural world in science. The English Learner Family Toolkit was created to help families choose education services that meet their child’s needs. The toolkit is available in multiple languages and includes resources for parents. Particular chapters of interest are below. Helping Children Achieve Success in School Other Educational Programs and Services for Children
Outschool Tutoring	Parents will find this a helpful tutoring resource that allows children to choose from thousands of different tutoring options.
Resources to Strengthen Connections with Families	Parents will find useful information and activities for families of multilingual learners that promote family engagement at home by highlighting various ways families can support children’s language development. Learning Language Every Day: Activities for Families (packet in several languages) Family Connections Through Home Languages (flyer in several languages) Introducing World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) (video)
Virginia Department of Education’s Special Education Resources for Families	Parents can use the Virginia Family’s Guide to Special Education to support their understanding of the special education process, services, and support for children with disabilities in public schools. Parents can also access an overview and one-pagers related to student testing, diplomas, and other important decision points for children with disabilities.
Parent Educational Advocacy and Training Center (PEATC)	Parents may use the Parent Educational Advocacy and Training Center site to get access to free and on-demand training centered around special education with a focus on Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and special education supports for children with disabilities. It also provides parents with services to help support them in communicating and working with their school.

Science Resources for Grades K-2

Science at Home Kindergarten Science Inquiry at Home First Grade Science Inquiry at Home Second Grade	How can parents get children to experiment with science at home? These activities are designed to support parents of children in kindergarten through second grade with science content at home. Each activity starts with a question to answer and includes suggested materials and activities to help answer each question. Suggestions on how to help children communicate their findings are also included.

Science Resources for Grades 3-5

Science Inquiry at Home Third Grade Science Inquiry at Home Fourth Grade Science Inquiry at Home Fifth Grade	How can parents get children to experiment with science at home? These activities are designed to support parents of children in third through fifth grades with science content at home. Each activity starts with a question to answer and includes materials that can commonly be found at home and activities to help answer each question. Suggestions on how to help children communicate their findings are also included.

How can parents get children to experiment with science at home? These activities are designed to support parents of children in third through fifth grades with science content at home. Each activity starts with a question to answer and includes materials that can commonly be found at home and activities to help answer each question. Suggestions on how to help children communicate their findings are also included.

Science Resources for Grades 6-12

Crash Course in Biology	Parents can watch select videos with their child to gain a shared understanding of specific science concepts. Secondary science courses can be hard for parents to help children with at home. This video series provides short, animated videos that explain general biology concepts.
Crash Course in Chemistry	Parents can watch select videos with their child to gain a shared understanding of specific science concepts. Secondary science courses can be hard for parents to help children with at home. This video series provides short, animated videos that explain general chemistry concepts.