The Pennsylvania science standards, previously adopted in 2002, were long overdue for an update. These older standards, focused heavily on rote memorization, no longer reflected the best practices in science education. In contrast, most other states already shifted to inquiry-based frameworks that emphasize critical thinking and real-world application.
In response, Pennsylvania launched an extensive review of its standards in 2019, culminating in the creation of the PA STEELS standards. This comprehensive overhaul, developed with input from over 900 stakeholders, will take full effect on July 1, 2025, for the 2025-2026 academic year (Love et al., 2023). PA STEELS, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy, and Sustainability, represents a significant shift toward interdisciplinary, hands-on learning that extends beyond traditional science content.
These standards uniquely integrate technology, engineering, environmental literacy, and sustainability, reflecting a broader vision for science education. They incorporate elements from both the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy (STEL), making them comprehensive and forward-looking.
Shifting Educational Practices
The most notable change in these new standards isn't just in what is taught, but how it is taught. PA STEELS emphasizes an inquiry-based or project-based approach, transforming teachers from mere presenters of information into facilitators of student-led discovery. This pedagogical shift encourages hands-on, experiential learning, where students actively investigate natural phenomena and develop scientific reasoning through real-world problem solving.
At Lincoln Learning Solutions, our newly developed PA science courses have been thoughtfully designed to align with these updated standards. They incorporate the three key dimensions of the PA STEELS framework: Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. This integrated approach ensures students don't just memorize scientific facts but also develop the skills and thinking processes of real scientists and engineers.
For example, in PA Science 3, students develop models to describe the lifecycles of organisms, such as mammals, amphibians, birds, and plants, encouraging them to make connections between structure and function.
In PA Science 5, students learn that matter is made of particles too small to be seen and that the total weight of matter is conserved during physical and chemical changes. This is reinforced through hands-on investigations, such as measuring and graphing quantities to provide evidence that the total weight of matter is conserved during these processes.
Meanwhile, in PA Science 7, students conduct investigations to provide evidence that living organisms are made of cells and explore the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. They also use models to illustrate the events of mitosis and meiosis, deepening their understanding of cell function and genetic principles.
Crosscutting Concepts & Real-World Insights
Our curriculum also emphasizes the importance of crosscutting concepts, encouraging students to identify patterns, understand cause and effect, and consider systems thinking. For instance, in early grades, students might construct arguments about how plants and animals (including humans) can change their environment to meet their needs, laying a foundation for more complex systems thinking in later grades. Middle school students engage in engineering practices, like designing solutions to environmental challenges or evaluating the impact of genetic engineering on healthcare and agriculture.
We also emphasize real-world phenomena throughout our courses, using a variety of strategies to keep students engaged and motivated. This includes hands-on activities, interdisciplinary projects, and technology integration, such as simulations and interactive learning objects. For example, students might model the cycling of Earth's materials, conduct investigations to understand energy transfer, or develop engineering solutions to address real-world problems. This approach not only builds scientific knowledge but also fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills—essential for future scientists and engineers.
Student Outcomes
By integrating the three dimensions of the PA STEELS framework, our science courses are designed to produce well-rounded, scientifically literate students who are prepared for future academic and career success. This approach leads to a range of positive student outcomes, including:
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Students learn to approach scientific questions with curiosity, analyze complex data, and develop solutions to real-world problems. For example, PA Science 8 students model molecular structures and investigate the conservation of mass, preparing them for advanced studies in chemistry and physics.
- Collaboration and Communication Skills: Through hands-on projects and collaborative investigations, students build essential teamwork and communication skills. They engage in discussions, present findings, and defend scientific claims, fostering confidence and effective communication.
- Real-World Application and Innovation: Our courses emphasize project-based learning and engineering challenges, encouraging students to think like scientists and engineers. Middle school students, for example, explore the structure and function of cells, the flow of energy through ecosystems, and the impact of environmental changes on populations.
Choosing the Right Partner
As Pennsylvania schools prepare for this transition, it is crucial to partner with a provider that offers comprehensive solutions aligned with the PA STEELS standards. Having a curriculum that fully integrates the three dimensions of the STEELS framework is only part of the equation. Schools also need a partner with the experience, resources, and support teams to guide them through this change, ensuring teachers have the tools they need to be successful, and students gain the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century.
Lincoln Learning Solutions not only offers high-quality, standard-aligned courses but also provides ongoing support and professional guidance to help schools confidently meet the demands of the PA STEELS framework. With a proven track record in curriculum development and instructional design, we are committed to helping Pennsylvania schools prepare their students for the future of science education.
The countdown to July 2025 has begun, and the future of Pennsylvania science education is bright.