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The Science Test for the GED 2002 will integrate the National Science Education Content Standards into the questions.  If the GED 2002 is to be equivalent to four years of high school, then the standards must reflect that.  Once again, refer to the “Changes” Chart.  With Science we see three major changes.

1. Once again we see the need for visual processing.  Students will need to work with charts, graphs and tables.  It is very important that teachers integrate these types of materials into their instructional programs.

 
2. There will be a greater emphasis on environmental and health topics.  This opens up a whole new way to teach in the science classroom.  Teachers can use materials that students can easily relate to, such as disease prevention.  Think of all the things teachers can do in the classroom:  food and nutrition, issues dealing with alcohol and drugs or even ways to reduce heart disease and cancer.  These are topics that will interest students and benefit them in their personal lives.  The environment is another area that has great possibilities including discussions on recycling and reducing air pollution. 

 
3. Finally, the new test will place more emphasis on the relevance of science in everyday life.  When we as educators can connect content with everyday life, students learn.  The fancy term is “contextual learning.”   Teachers can address topics to which students can easily relate.  For example, in Florida there is always the threat of hurricanes from June to November. Teachers can obtain free hurricane tracking maps from local grocery stores or from the Internet and use them to teach everything from the weather to map skills.  An added bonus could be helping students develop their own hurricane plans or if hurricanes are not prevalent in the local area, planning for severe weather.

Take a few minutes and think about what these changes will mean in the classroom.  List 3 things you can do to assist your teachers in preparing for the new Science Test?  Post your responses to the bulletin board.