District/School Administration PK-16 Program Support Educational Technology
Technology Toolkit

Becoming Scientists
Pioneer Valley Regional School District
Greenfield Public Schools

Learning Standards

Learning standards addressed

Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework

Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Physics), Grades 3-5: Forms of Energy
4. Identify the basic forms of energy (light, sound, heat, electrical, and magnetic). Recognize that energy is the ability to cause motion or create change.

Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Physics), Grades 3-5: Sound Energy
11. Recognize that sound is produced by vibrating objects and requires a medium through which to travel. Relate the rate of vibration to the pitch of the sound.

Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Physics), Grades 3-5: Light Energy
12. Recognize that light travels in a straight line until it strikes an object or travels from one medium to another, and that light can be reflected, refracted, and absorbed.

Technology performance indicators addressed

Massachusetts Recommended PreK-12 Instructional Technology Standards (2001)

Standard 3. Demonstrate ability to use technology for research, problem-solving, and communication. Students locate, evaluate, collect, and process information from a variety of electronic sources. Students use telecommunications and other media to interact or collaborate with peers, experts, and other audiences.

Grades PreK-4:
3.2 Explore the use of application programs (e.g., word processing, database, spreadsheet) for organizing information into charts, tables, and diagrams.
3.3 Explore the use of content-specific tools to enhance understanding of curriculum content (e.g., environmental probes, sensors, robotics, simulation software, and measuring devices).

Grades 5-8:
3.8 Organize information that is collected using a variety of tools (e.g., spreadsheet, database, saved files).
3.9 Communicate results of research and learning with others using the most appropriate tools (e.g., desktop-published or word-processed report, multimedia presentation).
3.10 Manipulate data using charting tools and graphic organizers (e.g. concept mapping, flow charting, and outlining software) to connect ideas and organize information.

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