Benchmarks for Science Literacy on Disk: Version 1.0 for Apple Macintosh

When Benchmarks for Science Literacy was first published, Bruce Alberts, president of the National Academy of Sciences praised it as "Another milestone in the long standing effort of Project 2061 to improve the teaching and learning of science for all Americans." Science for All Americans defined the scientifically literate American, offering a series of recommendations for reforming our system of education in science, mathematics, and technology. Benchmarks for Science Literacy helped make the goals set forth in Science for All Americans a reality. Now, the monumental achievement of Benchmarks for Science Literacy is available in a computer disk format for use on Macintosh and IBM-compatible personal computers. This superb science learning tool enables users to browse, assemble, and print benchmarks in various formats. Users can also review conceptual "strands"--a new tool on the electronic version--which provides sequences of benchmarks that students should progress through on the way toward a specific science-literacy goal. In addition, teachers can brainstorm about how to coordinate seemingly unrelated benchmarks by using "benchmark roulette," a function which creates a random sample of six benchmarks, at two grade levels, which can be used as a basis for discussion. Created in close consultation with a cross-section of American teachers, administrators, and scientists, Benchmarks elaborates on the recommendations provided by Science for All Americans to provide guidelines for what all students should know and be able to do in science, mathematics, and technology by the end of grades 2, 5, 8, and 12. Benchmarks is not a proposed curriculum, nor is it a plan for one: it is a tool educators can use as they design curricula that fit their students' needs and meet the goals recommended in Science for All Americans. Benchmarks on disk greatly enhances the capablities of its companion book, offering teachers a "molding" quality that will allow them to tailor Benchmarks into sections that are relevant to the grades and subjects they teach. Both quick and easy to use, this extraordinary program allows instant reference access to the entire spectrum of teaching and learning possiblities available with Benchmarks. Focusing on the understanding and interconnection of key concepts rather than rote memorization of terms and isolated facts, Benchmarks advocates building a lasting knowledge of science and related fields. In a culture increasingly pervaded by science, mathematics, and technology, science literacy requires habits of mind that will enable citizens to understand the world around them, make sense of new technologies as they emerge and grow, and deal sensibly with problems that involve evidence, numbers, patterns, logical arguements, and technology--as well as the relationship of these disciplines to the arts, humanities, and vocational studies--making science literacy relevant to all students, regardless of the career path they may choose. Together, Science for All Americans, Benchmarks for Science Literacy, and Benchmarks on disk offer a bold new agenda for the future of science in this country, one that is certain to prepare our children for the challenges they will face in the future.