What is InTASC Standard 4: Content Knowledge
Virginia educators carry the responsibility to deeply understand the curriculum content of the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs), an essential framework for teaching the skills and concepts students need for academic success. Teachers demonstrate standards of content knowledge to create meaningful learning experiences that incorporate technology use and other cross-disciplinary skills. Content knowledge is significant because it provides the surface level learning that is a necessary starting point for students to apply their knowledge across other areas of learning.
Artifacts for InTASC Standard 4:
Black History Month Projects
During the month of February, the teacher integrated curriculum social studies standards with Black History Month celebrations to teach about the achievements of African Americans throughout American history. These investigations culminated in a research project, in which students selected an African American figure from history to learn about through independent research technology. They organized the information they gathered into a banner template, which allowed them to demonstrate creative skills as they decorated their banners to display on Family Night.
This research project demonstrates how the teacher incorporates InTASC Standard #4 in their content instruction. The standard emphasizes tools of inquiry to access content in a variety of ways, which includes the opportunity for students to engage in independent research based on their interest in an African American historical figure. This learning experience has helped students understand the contributions of African Americans in depth while contributing to their research and communication skills.
Introduction: Area of Shapes
Mathematics is an essential content area for students because they will build on its foundational concepts throughout their K-12 education and beyond. The teacher understands that mathematics requires strong surface level understanding, and seeks alternatives to skill-and-drill practice to create authentic learning experiences.
To introduce the concept of area into the 4th grade geometry unit, I’ve created and adapted a PowerPoint presentation on the area of squares and rectangles. It includes thought-provoking warm-up activities and discussion questions, as well as opportunities for independent practice and small group work. In accordance with InTASC Standard #4, the lesson contains tools of inquiry that allow students to deeply understand the concept of area rather than just practicing its formula. For example, students gain content knowledge by exploring the question of why area is measured in units squared; they also work in groups to determine the area of unique shapes. This discussion and exploration inquiry helps students retain the concept of area through a variety of experiences.
(Follow this link to view the PowerPoint: Area of Shapes, Week 28)
Investigating the Parts of a Plant
In science, students will learn about the parts of a plant, the process of photosynthesis, and pollination. The teacher demonstrates InTASC Standard #4 by understanding that mastering science content involves hands-on experimentation and investigation. To learn about the parts of the plant, students will demonstrate the scientific process by growing their own plants in the classroom and keep an observation journal of its growth over several weeks. Students will share their observations about the plant’s structures and refer to their experiments as a model for discussing photosynthesis and pollination. This experiment represents InTASC Standard #4 and its emphasis on understanding how to present content knowledge within the disciplines. Through science investigations, the teacher encourages students to describe their experiences and use the scientific method to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the concepts related to plants.
