Instructional Resources

Teaching & Learning Resources

K-12 

• Science Instructional Plans– These 5E lessons align to the expectations reflected in the 2018 Science Standards of Learning  Curriculum Framework and provide educators exemplars that demonstrate the integration of the Scientific and Engineering Practices with science concepts. The instructional plans are housed in #GoOpenVA and can easily be accessed through the Science VDOE group.  Find lesson plans for each grade level and discipline that were created to engage students as they build science conceptual understanding using the 2018 Science Standards of Learning.
• Science and Engineering Practices Progression K-12 (Word) - The Science and Engineering Practices Progression K-12 chart identifies grade level expectations for each of the six practices as students progress through elementary school and high school.
• K-5 Science Practices Progression (Word) – Shows the progression of standards from kindergarten through fifth grade and how they relate to reporting categories on the Grade 5 Science SOL Test Blueprint.
• Science Standards of Learning Crosswalk between 2018 and 2010 Standards (Word)
• Addressing Climate Change Using the Virginia 2018 Science Standards of Learning (Word) - This document summarizes student performance expectations from the Virginia Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework, and excerpts from the Content Guidelines that pertain to climate change.

Middle & High School

• Energy in Virginia Guide (PDF) – Curriculum guide and supporting materials related to the Grade Six Science Standards of Learning energy standards.
• Alternatives to Animal Dissection, BOE Guidelines (PDF) – The Board of Education sets forth guidelines to be implemented by local school divisions regarding alternative dissection techniques. Dissections are not required by the Virginia Department of Education nor are they included as an expectation in the 2018 Science Standards of Learning.
• Web-based dissection simulations
  • Frog dissection: Virtual Frog Dissection Kit

Science Content Guidelines

Content guidelines are in the process of being constructed for all Biology II and Earth Science II courses.  The intention of the content guidelines are to inform instruction and to ensure that the content is covered equitably across the Commonwealth.  These are guidelines and divisions may adapt these to meet the need of the students in their schools.  Currently, guidelines are available for the areas indicated below and will be added as more peer-reviewed guidelines are developed. 

• Biology II: Anatomy & Physiology (Word)
• Environmental Science (Word)
• Earth Science II: Astronomy (Word)
• Earth Science II: Geology (Word)
• Earth Science II: Oceanography (Word)
• Biology II: Ecology (Word)
• Biology II: Genetics (Word)
• Biology II: Advanced Survey of Biology Topics (Word)
• Chemistry II (Word)

Safety

• VDOE Safety in Science Teaching (2023) 
• Manuals available from ACS Chemical Science Safety in the classroom include:
  • Safety in the Elementary Classroom (Grades K-6)
  • Chemical Safety for Teachers and Their Supervisors (Grades 7-12)
  • Guidelines and Recommendations for the Teaching of High School Chemistry (Grades K-12)
• Manuals available from OSHA Laboratory Safety Documents include:
  • Laboratory Safety Guidance
  • Chemical Hygiene Plan Fact Sheet
  • Working with Small Animals Quick Facts
• CDC School Chemistry Laboratory Safety Guide
• Manuals available from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources include:
  • Wildlife in the Classroom: What is Required to Display Wildlife in the Classroom
  • Elementary & Secondary Wildlife Display Reporting Form
• Safety Observation Tool (Word)
• Science Safety Self-Assessment Checklist (Word)

Environmental Literacy

The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools establish expectations of what students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade or course in English, mathematics, science, history/social science and other subjects.  The SOL in certain disciplines support Environmental Literacy explicitly and in others implicitly. Environmental Literacy  offers connections to the Virginia Standards of Learning, school programs in action, teaching resources, grant programs, and more.

U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools - Two Virginia Schools Named U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools

Congratulations to Prince William County Schools' Dale City Elementary in Woodbridge and George P. Mullen Elementary in Manassas for being honored as 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools.

The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools program acknowledges institutions that demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship, health promotion, and environmental education. This recognition underscores their commitment to reducing environmental impact and costs, enhancing health and wellness, and providing effective environmental and sustainability education.

Nominated by the Virginia Department of Education, Dale City Elementary and George P. Mullen Elementary have been recognized for their comprehensive sustainability initiatives and environmental programs. This honor reflects their dedication to fostering a greener, healthier, and more environmentally conscious learning environment.

• Meaningful Watershed Experience – The 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, signed by Governor Terence McAuliffe on June 16, 2014, commits the Commonwealth to meet the goals and outcomes set forth in the multijurisdictional compact.  The education Goal and Outcomes of the Agreement extend to all localities and watersheds of the Commonwealth and the target of environmental literacy for all students by graduation. One goal is to continually increase students’ age-appropriate understanding of the watershed through participation in teacher-supported, Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE) and rigorous, inquiry-based instruction, with a target of at least one meaningful watershed educational experience in elementary, middle and high school depending on available resources. These experiences connect standards-based classroom activities with hands-on field investigations. The following resources will assist teachers in meeting this requirement:
  
  • Bay Backpack– Chesapeake Bay watershed-related lesson plans and activities, field studies, and professional development opportunities
  • Chesapeake Bay Foundation – SOL-aligned curricula and professional development
  • Department of Wildlife Resources – wildlife and fisheries resources for students and teachers
• Science Museum of Virginia – information for planning field trips to the museum
• Science Museum of Western Virginia – educational programs for students and professional development for teachers in grades K-12
• Virginia Department of Forestry – conservation education information for students
• Virginia Living Museum - information on activities in the museum and outreach programs
• Virginia Museum of Natural History – information on professional development opportunities for teachers and resources for students including Virginia Science Standards Institute and Virginia Science Institute for STEM Education information and materials
• Virginia Naturally School Recognition Program – information on the commonwealth's official environmental education school recognition program
• Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom – educational program to increase agricultural literacy in grades K-8
• NASA – space-related educational resources for teachers and students
• Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching – information on the highest recognition that a K-12 mathematics or science teacher may receive
• Virginia Junior Academy of Science – information for programs and competitions for the advancement of science in grades 7-12