Technology in the Science Classroom

As stated in the Science Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools, the use of current and emerging technologies is essential to the K-12 science instructional program. 

Computer/Technology standards to be achieved by the end of Grade 8 have been developed in the Virginia Standards of Learning and are the shared responsibility of teachers of all disciplines.  Middle science school students are expected to become adept at using the compound microscope, triple beam balance, computer, printer, digital camera, flexcam, videodisc player, probeware, graphing calculators, and other forms of hardware.  

In addition, students should become competent using software designed for the following applications: word processing, graphing, manipulating databases, simulations, telecommunications, and multimedia presentations. The Eighth Grade Science Technology Initiative (funded through the Integrated Technology Plans for FY 97, 98, 99) has equipped each middle school with hardware and software so that students can acquire these technology competencies. The most common configuration is a networked science classroom consisting of 15 student stations and one teacher presentation station . All middle school science students use technology during each unit throughout the year. 

The Seventh Grade Science Technology Initiative (initial funding through the Integrated Technology Plan for FY 2000) will equip each seventh grade science classroom with a presentation station and provide training to teachers on ways to integrate technology into the seventh life science curriculum.  As funds become available, additional student stations will be added to the classroom.

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