The Cross-curricular Competencies are four interrelated areas containing understandings, values, skills and processes which are considered important for learning in all areas of study. These competencies reflect the Common Essential Learnings and are intended to be addressed in each area of study at each grade.
K-12 Goals for Developing Thinking:
- thinking and learning contextually
- thinking and learning creatively
- thinking and learning critically.
Developing Thinking
Learners construct knowledge to make sense of the world around them. In science, students develop understanding by building and reflecting on their observations and what is already known by themselves and others. By thinking contextually, creatively and critically, students develop deeper understanding of various phenomena in the natural and constructed world.
K-12 Goals for Developing Identity and Interdependence:
- understanding, valuing and caring for oneself
- understanding, valuing and caring for others
- understanding and valuing social, economic and environmental interdependence and sustainability.
Developing Identity and Interdependence
This competency addresses the ability to act autonomously in an interdependent world. It requires the learner to be aware of the natural environment, of social and cultural expectations, and of the possibilities for individual and group accomplishments. Interdependence assumes the possession of a positive self-concept and the ability to live in harmony with others and with the natural and constructed world. In science, students examine the interdependence among living things within local, national and global environments and consider the impact of individual decisions on those environments.
K-12 Goals for Developing Literacies:
- developing knowledge related to various literacies
- exploring and interpreting the world through various literacies
- expressing understanding and communicating meaning using various literacies.
Developing Literacies
Literacies are multi-faceted and provide a variety of ways, including the use of various language systems and media, to interpret the world and express understanding of it. Literacies involve the evolution of interrelated knowledge, skills and strategies that facilitate an individual's ability to participate fully and equitably in a variety of roles and contexts - school, home, and local and global communities. In science, students collect, analyze and represent their ideas and understanding of the natural and constructed world in multiple forms.
K-12 Goals for Developing Social Responsibility:
- using moral reasoning processes
- engaging in communitarian thinking and dialogue
- taking social action.
Developing Social Responsibility
Social responsibility is how people positively contribute to their physical, social, cultural and educational environments. It requires the ability to participate with others in accomplishing shared or common goals. This competency is achieved by using moral reasoning processes, engaging in communitarian thinking and dialogue and taking social action. Students in science examine the impact of scientific understanding and technological innovations on society.