The education community recognizes that we need to help our youth grow into well-informed citizens when they enter our technology-forward society. That’s why the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Institute for Advanced Study charged the National Research Council to create “A Framework for K-12 Science Education” as the first step towards reaching that goal. Then, using the framework as a guide, Achieve, Inc. led the development of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) which emphasize for students to engage in hands-on experiments, ask questions, and design solutions to real-world problems.
Your state board of education may have adopted NGSS outright, or they may have enlisted state partners to form their own science standards. Either way, it is beneficial to understand next-gen approaches to science education before you implement them. This article explores what the standards entail.
Table of Contents:
- Understanding the Shift: From Memorization to Exploration
- What Makes NGSS Different: A Deeper Dive
- NGSS Standards: Benefits for Students
- NGSS Standards: The Road to Implementation
- FAQs about NGSS
- Conclusion
Understanding the Shift: From Memorization to Exploration
Traditional science education often relied upon memorizing facts and figures. NGSS changes this model by championing a three-dimensional approach. Students explore scientific concepts through science and engineering practices, they grapple with crosscutting concepts spanning disciplines, and they build a deep understanding of disciplinary core ideas.
Science and Engineering Practices: Doing Science
Science is not about us flat-out telling students how processes work and training them to recall. on command; it’s about students actively engaging in their own guided scientific inquiry. NGSS recognizes this distinction by identifying eight essential competencies aligned with science and engineering practices:
- Asking Questions and Defining Problems
- Developing and Using Models
- Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
- Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
- Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
- Engaging in Argument from Evidence
- Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Students cultivate their critical thinking skills as they get involved in hands-on investigations. They also develop a deeper understanding of how real scientists and engineers approach and solve problems. For example, instead of lecturing about ecosystems, students could design and build mini ecosystems in terrariums.
For this example, they would ask questions like: What type of plants will thrive in this environment? How will we maintain the balance? Students would collect data, analyze it, and modify their designs based on observations. Incorporating these practices into their lab allows learners to fully experience becoming young scientists, and they offer opportunities for students to spark a passion to pursue science in their careers.
Crosscutting Concepts: Connecting the Dots
Science is a tapestry of interconnected ideas. Early scientists separated out science into disciplines to better NGSS helps students recognize these connections through seven crosscutting concepts:
- Patterns
- Cause and Effect
- Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
- Systems and System Models
- Energy and Matter
- Structure and Function
- Stability and Change
In addition, the NRC suggested the incorporation of science teaching points surrounding the interdependence of science, engineering, and technology. This area of study will help contextualize many tech advancements utilized in our industries. Similarly, NGSS also outlines standards covering the influence that engineering, technology, and science have on society and the natural world.
Disciplinary Core Ideas: The Building Blocks of Knowledge
NGSS defines Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) as key understandings in science that students should acquire and build upon throughout elementary school, middle school, and high school courses. The NRC took inspiration from the common core state standards in mathematics and similar standards for English language arts when they delineated DCIs for science teaching.
For instance, they made sure that any performance expectations in scientific computation would be supported by their corequisite math milestones. These DCIs are grouped into four domains:
- Physical Science
- Life Science
- Earth and Space Science
- Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science
What Makes NGSS Different: A Deeper Dive
What sets NGSS apart from previous science education standards? Let's look at some key factors that make NGSS innovative enough for lead states like California to adopt these standards wholesale.
Focus on Depth Over Breadth
NGSS champions depth over breadth. Educators focus on fewer core ideas and explore them in greater detail. This approach allows students to develop a strong conceptual foundation of which students can build future learning upon. It's like the difference between skimming the synopsis of a dozen books versus carefully reading and analyzing one novel.
Coherence Across Grade Levels
Learning is a continuous process. NGSS recognizes this through its attention to coherence across grade levels. Concepts are revisited in increasingly complex ways, solidifying students' grasp of fundamental principles.
Curriculum developers design each grade level to expand upon the models of previous years. This method ensures that students are set up for success to endorse more detailed models in future years.
Integration of Science and Engineering
In today’s technology-driven world, students must be scientifically literate. NGSS weaves together science and engineering practices. Students design solutions to problems, test prototypes, and refine their creations.
This integrated approach empowers students with essential skills for the 21st century. NGSS helps students apply knowledge through scientific investigation. Students hold higher stakes in how investigations carry out when they directly influence the engineering design.
NGSS Standards: Benefits for Students
With NGSS, science learning is for all students. The standards benefit students in many ways by providing quality science education.
Deeper Understanding
The focus on fewer core ideas allows students to delve deeper into subjects. This approach improves knowledge and fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. These skills are crucial for college and future careers.
Engaging Learning Experience
Hands-on activities and real-world applications make learning science more enjoyable. Instead of passive listening, students actively participate. The “learn by doing” approach fully encompasses audio, visual, and tactile learning to immerse students in real-time science, improving retention and sparking curiosity.
College and Career Readiness
NGSS emphasizes scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills prepare students for the demands of higher education and a changing workforce. NGSS-aligned instruction equips students with the skills to succeed.
Students learn to analyze information, think creatively, and approach challenges with confidence. As our world becomes increasingly reliant on technology and innovation, an NGSS education becomes an asset. For example, students can be more prepared to tackle the global climate challenges of our time. This integration of skills makes them competitive candidates for higher education and in-demand careers.
NGSS Standards: The Road to Implementation
Shifting to NGSS requires careful planning, collaboration, and ongoing teacher support. Curriculum alignment, instructional materials, and professional development are crucial for a seamless transition.
Curriculum Alignment: A Foundation for Success
Ensure that your instructional materials satisfy your school’s next gen science teaching standards. OpenSciEd has created a phenomenon-based curriculum that directly aligns with NGSS. EdReports has reviewed the quality of their content and has accredited their middle school program with an “all green rating.” OpenSciEd has designated PASCO Scientific as a certified partner to incorporate high-tech science sensors and lab equipment to amplify their hands-on investigations.
OpenSciEd curriculum also highlights opportunities throughout their lessons for “Attending to Equity”, which are extremely important to foster inclusive environments for all learners to study science. Our world is diverse, and our science education and science industries should follow suit to create a sense of belonging for anyone to pursue careers in science.
Teacher Training: Empowering Educators
Effective NGSS implementation depends on prepared teachers. The National Research Council’s Guide to Implementing the NGSS provided by the National Academies Press in Washington, D.C. stresses the importance of supporting educators as they embrace these new standards.
Professional learning opportunities allow teachers to deepen their understanding of the standards. It also allows them to develop engaging, inquiry-based lessons that align with the three-dimensional approach. When teachers have the resources that they need to thrive, they can effectively implement NGSS in their classrooms. This leads to increased teacher satisfaction and better learning outcomes for students.
PASCO Scientific offers professional learning courses and certificates for teachers. When your school uses PASCO Portal for your complete science teaching solution, you get online access to a plethora of resources to help teachers succeed at executing next gen standards with confidence.
FAQs about the NGSS
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What does NGSS stand for?
NGSS stands for the Next Generation Science Standards. These are K–12 science content standards. They set the expectations for what students should know and be able to do.
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What are the 3 components of the Next Generation Science Standards?
The NGSS three-dimensional learning approach weaves together these components: Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. These three dimensions are incorporated into every science standard.
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What are the 8 steps of NGSS?
NGSS highlights eight essential Science and Engineering Practices: asking questions and defining problems, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematics and computational thinking, constructing explanations and designing solutions, engaging in argument from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.
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What are the NGSS standards simplified?
The NGSS standards are a new approach to K-12 science education in the United States that prioritizes hands-on, inquiry-based learning. The standards focus on helping students make sense of scientific phenomena by engaging in practices such as asking questions, conducting investigations, and constructing arguments based on evidence. It’s about cultivating students' scientific literacy by fostering critical thinking and instilling a love for exploring the natural world.
Conclusion
The academic world envisions a bright future where all students have strong foundations in practicing scientific inquiry. NGSS represents a paradigm shift in how we approach science education. It signifies a commitment to providing all students with high-quality, engaging, and relevant experiences. Embracing and implementing NGSS is an investment in our students' future and our nation as we prepare them for their careers.