The Summer Outdoor Science Camps align with much of the Utah State Core Standards for Science. The camps give students the opportunity to learn the skills and content using an experiential, hands-on approach. A variety of Benchmark, Standards and Objectives for grades 3-5 are covered depending on the camp. All camps emphasize many of the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO's) for 3rd through 5th grades. The following is from The Utah State Office of Education Core Standards for Science and describes ILO's for grades 3-5:
Third and Fourth Grade
1. Use Science Process and Thinking Skills
a. Observe simple objects and patterns and report their observations.
b. Sort and sequence data according to a given criterion.
c. Make simple predictions and inferences based upon observations.
d. Compare things and events.
e. Use instruments to measure length, temperature, volume, and weight using appropriate units.
f. Conduct a simple investigation when given directions.
g. Develop and use simple classification systems.
h. Use observations to construct a reasonable explanation.
2. Manifest Scientific Attitudes and Interests
a. Demonstrate a sense of curiosity about nature.
b. Voluntarily read or look at books and other materials about science.
c. Pose questions about objects, events, and processes.
3. Understand Science Concepts and Principles
a. Know science information specified for their grade level.
b. Distinguish between examples and non-examples of science concepts taught.
c. Explain science concepts and principles using their own words and explanations.
4. Communicate Effectively Using Science Language and Reasoning
a. Record data accurately when given the appropriate form and format (e.g., table, graph, chart).
b. Report observation with pictures, sentences, and models.
c. Use scientific language appropriate to grade level in oral and written communication.
d. Use available reference sources to obtain information.
Intended Learning Outcomes for Fifth grade
By the end of fifth grade students will be able to:
1. Use Science Process and Thinking Skills
a. Observe simple objects, patterns, and events and report their observations.
b. Sort and sequence data according to criteria given.
c. Given the appropriate instrument, measure length, temperature, volume, and mass in metric units as specified.
d. Compare things, processes, and events.
e. Use classification systems.
f. Plan and conduct simple experiments.
g. Formulate simple research questions.
h. Predict results of investigations based on prior data.
i. Use data to construct a reasonable conclusion.
2. Manifest Scientific Attitudes and Interests
a. Demonstrate a sense of curiosity about nature.
b. Voluntarily read and look at books and other materials about science.
c. Pose science questions about objects, events, and processes.
d. Maintain an open and questioning mind toward new ideas and alternative points of view.
e. Seek and weigh evidence before drawing conclusions.
f. Accept and use scientific evidence to help resolve ecological problems.
3. Understand Science Concepts and Principles
a. Know and explain science information specified for the grade level.
b. Distinguish between examples and non-examples of concepts that have been taught.
c. Solve problems appropriate to grade level by applying science principles and procedures.
4. Communicate Effectively Using Science Language and Reasoning
a. Record data accurately when given the appropriate form (e.g., table, graph, chart).
b. Describe or explain observations carefully and report with pictures, sentences, and models.
c. Use scientific language in oral and written communication.
d. Use reference sources to obtain information and cite the source.
e. Use mathematical reasoning to communicate information.
5. Demonstrate Awareness of Social and Historical Aspects of Science
a. Cite examples of how science affects life.
b. Understand the cumulative nature of science knowledge.
6. Understand the Nature of Science
a. Science is a way of knowing that is used by many people not just scientists.
b. Understand that science investigations use a variety of methods and do not always use the same set of procedures; understand that there is not just one "scientific method."
c. Science findings are based upon evidence.
Third and Fourth Grade
1. Use Science Process and Thinking Skills
a. Observe simple objects and patterns and report their observations.
b. Sort and sequence data according to a given criterion.
c. Make simple predictions and inferences based upon observations.
d. Compare things and events.
e. Use instruments to measure length, temperature, volume, and weight using appropriate units.
f. Conduct a simple investigation when given directions.
g. Develop and use simple classification systems.
h. Use observations to construct a reasonable explanation.
2. Manifest Scientific Attitudes and Interests
a. Demonstrate a sense of curiosity about nature.
b. Voluntarily read or look at books and other materials about science.
c. Pose questions about objects, events, and processes.
3. Understand Science Concepts and Principles
a. Know science information specified for their grade level.
b. Distinguish between examples and non-examples of science concepts taught.
c. Explain science concepts and principles using their own words and explanations.
4. Communicate Effectively Using Science Language and Reasoning
a. Record data accurately when given the appropriate form and format (e.g., table, graph, chart).
b. Report observation with pictures, sentences, and models.
c. Use scientific language appropriate to grade level in oral and written communication.
d. Use available reference sources to obtain information.
Intended Learning Outcomes for Fifth grade
By the end of fifth grade students will be able to:
1. Use Science Process and Thinking Skills
a. Observe simple objects, patterns, and events and report their observations.
b. Sort and sequence data according to criteria given.
c. Given the appropriate instrument, measure length, temperature, volume, and mass in metric units as specified.
d. Compare things, processes, and events.
e. Use classification systems.
f. Plan and conduct simple experiments.
g. Formulate simple research questions.
h. Predict results of investigations based on prior data.
i. Use data to construct a reasonable conclusion.
2. Manifest Scientific Attitudes and Interests
a. Demonstrate a sense of curiosity about nature.
b. Voluntarily read and look at books and other materials about science.
c. Pose science questions about objects, events, and processes.
d. Maintain an open and questioning mind toward new ideas and alternative points of view.
e. Seek and weigh evidence before drawing conclusions.
f. Accept and use scientific evidence to help resolve ecological problems.
3. Understand Science Concepts and Principles
a. Know and explain science information specified for the grade level.
b. Distinguish between examples and non-examples of concepts that have been taught.
c. Solve problems appropriate to grade level by applying science principles and procedures.
4. Communicate Effectively Using Science Language and Reasoning
a. Record data accurately when given the appropriate form (e.g., table, graph, chart).
b. Describe or explain observations carefully and report with pictures, sentences, and models.
c. Use scientific language in oral and written communication.
d. Use reference sources to obtain information and cite the source.
e. Use mathematical reasoning to communicate information.
5. Demonstrate Awareness of Social and Historical Aspects of Science
a. Cite examples of how science affects life.
b. Understand the cumulative nature of science knowledge.
6. Understand the Nature of Science
a. Science is a way of knowing that is used by many people not just scientists.
b. Understand that science investigations use a variety of methods and do not always use the same set of procedures; understand that there is not just one "scientific method."
c. Science findings are based upon evidence.