Website Information

Hirshal, Bob et.al.  Science Net Links.  MarcoPolo Education Foundation, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Copyright 2006<http://www.sciencenetlinks.com>

Description

Science Netlinks is a website that provides free resources for science educators.  These resources come in the form of lesson plans that are listed by grade level.  and  links to other carefully chosen web resources.  These resources are organized around the Benchmarks for Science literacy, which are science literacy goals that have been developed as a part of Project 2061, a plan initiated by the AAAS in order to reform K-12 science instruction. These benchmarks are also cataloged on this website.  This website also contains categorized links to online tools, an Science Update, 90 second radio broadcasts highlighting current science research and how to use it in the classroom as well as responses to teacher's questions.  The main purpose of this website is to aid science teachers in providing standards based instruction to students. 

Critique

This is actually the first website that I came across that provides lessons and other resources that are closely aligned to standards.  The lesson plans that are on this website are very well organized, it is very easy to find what you are looking for in terms of "big ideas" in different content areas and grade level. There are even a number of lessons on unifying themes, inquiry, and the nature of science.   These lessons are very structured and include the context of the lesson, motivation, necessary handouts, a materials list, procedure, assessments, and ideas for extending the lesson.  With all of the information that is given for the lessons, it is really easy to align these lessons to the PA Academic Standards.  We have talked a great deal about the National Science Education standards, and I personally did not know that there were other assessment tools.  The Benchmarks for Science Literacy are very similar to the NSES because they both provide science education goals not only for content areas, but for inquiry and the nature of science as well.   In addition, given the number of contributors and staff members, the reputation of the moderating organizations, and the up to date and rigorously analysis the staff does on all of the resources this seems like it is a very reliable resource for science teachers. 

 ~Tamika A. Madison~

~14. February 2006~