Next Generation Science Standards: 

Understanding and Preparing for Change

NGSS have three dimensions that are integrated to reflect how science and engineering are practiced. The three dimensions are science and engineering practices (SEPs), crosscutting concepts (CCs) and disciplinary core ideas (DCIs). This is different from how science was traditionally taught and learned.

Activity - You Have Come a Long Way Baby

The NGSS are STANDARDS not Curriculum. They consist of three dimensions which guide teachers to provide their students with integrative and connected science education. Understanding the relationship between the dimensions is key to teaching science. Click here to see to navigate to NGSS Structure from the NGSS website.

NGSS has a teaching channel with videos explaining the three dimensions and how they relate to each other. Further information can be found by clicking here.

Activity -NGSS vs ODE 

For the K-5 teachers who signed up for the June 6 TPD, here are links (by grade) to the Oregon Department of Education Crosswalked NGSS and 2009 Oregon State Standards.

Kindergarten Then and Now

First Grade Then and Now

Second Grade Then and Now

Third Grade Then and Now

Fourth Grade Then and Now

Fifth Grade Then and Now

Here is the entire K-12 progression crosswalked NGSS and 2009 Oregon State Standards.

Talking about Resources 

Don't reinvent the wheel! Many professionals have been working on creating activities, and aligning resources found on the Internet to NGSS. Institute was all about exploring these resources. June 15, Day 1 of the NGSS Institute, we learned the basic history, rationale, and  3 dimensions that work to create them. That afternoon, we began following a Physical Science standard PS3-Energy from K-2 through 3-5, so we could see how that rolls out for a student. We all signed up for accounts with nasawavelength.org, where over 3000 free resources are beginning to be crosswalked with NGSS. We found the STRAND Maps can be used to identify age appropriate activities most containing background information for teachers! At the end of the first day, we looked at resources at nasa spaceplace. Click this secret shortcut to the NGSS connected by GRADE LEVEL to fun learning K-8 hands on activities. You can sort the activities by any ONE of the 3 dimensions too. THANKS NASA!

NGSS Build on Integrated Conceptual Learning K-12

All students learn at every grade level. There is a progression of science and engineering skills, practices, ideas, and content that focuses on deep understanding and practical application. It is a dynamic learning process that builds throughout a student's K-12 education.

Activity - Getting to Know the Sequence

If you teach elementary students in Oregon, the science grade level sequence has been uploaded for you. Click on this link. Look at how the sequence differs from what you have taught in the past. It is important to know the teachers in higher grades depend on you to teach your grade level standards.Your students depend on you to help them learn the standards so they can advance their understanding of science and engineering. This book from NSTA is available for purchase from NSTA.org.

New to Everyone!

I have been so impressed with the teachers who have attended these NGSS inquiries! Giving up Saturdays at the end of a school year speaks to their dedication. Here is the ODE Suggested Timeline for School Districts in the adoption of NGSS with suggested PD inserted below. Just click on the uploaded file to view the file. You can see NGSS alignment and integration will be new for EVERYONE!


What's NEW to You?

As you look through your ODE NGSS grade level crosswalk sequence, what new topics are you responsible to teach? What topics do you no longer cover? What resources do you need to be able to do this? Remember, this is a transition, choose a few topics that you feel you can translate into learning. Make them your PD goal for 2015-16.

Activity - Engineering Design Process for K-5

These slides are uploaded to help you remember the heuristics we used to learn the EDP process. Use the EDP from here to create a model of 6 circles with appropriate steps. 


NASA has the BEST EDP videos

For your viewing pleasure, click on this link http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/best/edp.html#.VeYiEbxVgoI 

This will take you to the NASA website, where many more resources can be found :) Check them out at the K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 grade level.