Elementary School, Science Curriculum

Science Talent

Currently, there is no specific assessment for finding science talent. Programs and services designed to address the needs of students gifted in science generally use a standardized test of achievement for identification of students with high ability in this area. Unfortunately, using only a standardized paper-and-pencil test overlooks those who may not be good test takers, understand the language of the test, or have abilities not uncovered by such a measure. Checklists and rating scales are also occasionally used to identify students talented in science. These instruments contain statements or words that commonly describe students with high ability in science such as daring, persistent, curious, and autonomous. However, watching a child actually performing a science experiment may provide as much or even more information than a standardized achievement score would about that child's talent or ability in science. Other factors such as attitude and creativity may also assist with the identification of science talent.

Curriculum Issues

Numerous journal articles address an interesting science activity developed and implemented in the classroom for gifted students. Most of these, though interesting ideas, have little data to support their usefulness in developing science talent other than that the students enjoyed the activity. There is generally not enough description of the activity to allow another teacher to duplicate the activity, nor is it easy to identify the areas of the regular science curriculum that were modified in depth, complexity, or abstraction to meet the needs of students gifted in science. Similarly, commercially prepared materials, although providing more detail for ease of implementation, suffer from similar shortcomings, that is, lack of effectiveness [Page 300]data and failure to identify modifications for gifted learners. Although many commercially prepared materials provide a suggested grade level or grade band, most must be used at a lower grade level if they are being used with students gifted in science. For example, if a science unit is designated as appropriate for Grades 4 and 5, then it may be too easy for fourth- and fifth-grade students who have high ability in science and may be more appropriate for third-grade students gifted in science.

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