Michigan schools could soon change how they teach science.
The idea is to provide more depth in the curriculum. That's according to Linda Forward, who directs the Office of Education Improvement and Innovation at the Michigan Department of Education.
She says 26 states worked to create the Next Generation Science Standards.
The plan blends certain subjects, such as chemistry and biology. It also ties engineering into science.
"This will provide future students a better opportunity to be ready to move into the world of work, or go on to further training, in order to fill positions employers are looking for," Forward says.
"If you take a look at Michigan's statewide assessment scores, science is an area where things lag, so we knew that something had to change. We had to do something differently."
She says K-12 science curriculum should be refreshed every 5 to 7 years.
The state board of education is expected to approve the new approach to teaching science next month.
The Michigan Department of Education is inviting public comment here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1nERCE8_XMZMXLESWxhpoI8Er3n5kYUkme8O8u8z8HO0/viewform
