Changes to K and 1 Science Standards

In Georgia new science standards will be introduced for the 2017-2018 school year.  The new Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) are similar to the NGSS while at the same time being specific to Georgia.  Both sets of standards are based on best practices from The Framework for K-12 Science Education.  

The biggest change is in the way science must be taught.  The pedagogy must totally change.  Students should be given the chance to obtain, evaluate, and communicate the content for the standard through their own experiences while making real world connections to what they learn.

In the new GSE you will see some standards removed, some elements of standards removed, and most that remain have been restructured.  The language for every standard has changed to reflect the need for a pedagogy change by beginning every standard with the exact same words, "obtain, evaluate, communicate".

To make it easier to find the places where standards or elements of standards have been removed, or new elements have been introduced, I have created a document outlining the changes as a quick reference tool.  It covers both kindergarten and first grade.  You can download it at the end of this post.  

I hope this helps - let me know if you have questions!
​Little Science Bird

GSE Changes Quick List K and 1