MI BIG - Introduction

MI BIG is a series of articulated strand maps with sub-maps and narratives for all the revised Michigan Science Standards and Benchmarks as of the year 2000. The conversion to a graphic representation of the format for the revised Standards and Benchmarks allows the "Big Picture" to become quickly more apparent. Each graphic representation is color coded. the strands are shown in blue and the integrated or related benchmarks which are sited in the Standards and Benchmarks are shaded gray.

The grade level articulations used in the maps are K-2, 3-4, 5-7, and 8-10 and are found on the left of the maps. This was done to highlight the idea that if students were going to be assessed in Science in grades 5, 8, and 11, the grade level articulation should reflect a time by which the learning should be successfully attained. If the MEAP is given in grade five, the learning should have occurred prior to grade five.

The Standards are found at the top of each column within the map. Each Benchmark is found within the blue rectangle with the code for the Benchmark found within the darker blue flag. Each Benchmark which leads to the teaching of the next Benchmark is connected by an arrow whether within the Standard or leading to another Standard. Gray boxes which are related Benchmarks are connected by a single line. With the full viewing of each map, the "Big Picture" should become readily evident and is the goal of this project.