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Virginia Standards of Learnng(S.O.L)

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Science is often presented as isolated facts, making it difficult to understand how something as small as our genes relates to something as large as the ecosystem.   "Bioscape" makes use of three central themes to integrate separate pieces of information into broad and logical structures.

The overarching message for "Bioscape" is the unity and diversity of life, embodied in DNA and evident in the process of evolution.  An Advisory Committee of distinguished biologists has chosen three broad conceptual themes to convey this message:

• Very Small (Molecular Biology and Genetics)
• My Size (Human Biology and Health Science)
• Really Big (Environmental Science)

The themes and their specific subject matter follow the Virginia Standards of Learning, and parallel recommendations in Benchmarks for Science Literacy of the American Association for the Advancement of Science's Project 2061.

The Science Museum of Virginia has developed materials called Museum Learning Links: S.O.L. Connections  designed to aid students and teachers in connecting S.O.L. requirements with museum visits.  By offering comprehensive instructions, educational gallery materials and classroom activities, the Museum Learning Links provide educators with a well- planned, grade-appropriate visit to the Science Museum.