Aligning Course to K-12 Science Standards
For most K-8 teachers, the only formal Earth science content instruction they will get will come from an introductory course. Excellence in K-8 Earth science education is highly contingent on what teachers learn and actually take with them to the classroom. At the same time, it is rare that a geoscience college professor is aware of what topics teachers are expected to teach.
The National Science Education Standards, published by the National Academies, is the basis for most state science standards. More specific standards may apply to science classrooms in your state.
Example of a course for K-8 preservice teachers aligned to Minnesota State Standards (Microsoft Word 58kB Jun11 04)
