NGSS Information and Resources
NGSS Information and Resources
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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are K-12 science content standards. The NGSS were developed by states to improve science education for all students. Within the NGSS are three distinct and equally important dimensions to learning science. These dimensions are combined to form each standard, or performance expectation, and each dimension works with the other two to help students build a cohesive understanding of science over time.
The Three Dimensions of Science Learning
The Three Dimensions of Science Learning
Science and Engineering Practices
Science and Engineering Practices
Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) describe what scientists do to investigate the natural world and what engineers do to design and build systems. The practices better explain and extend what is meant by "inquiry" in science and the range of cognitive, social, and physical practices that it requires. Students engage in practices to build, deepen, and apply their knowledge of core ideas and crosscutting concepts.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) are the key ideas in science that have broad importance within or across multiple science or engineering disciplines. These core ideas build on each other as students progress through grade levels and are grouped into the following four domains: Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering.
Crosscutting Concepts
Crosscutting Concepts
Crosscutting concepts (CCCs) help students explore connections across the four domains of science.
When these concepts, such as "cause and effect," are made explicit for students, they can help students develop a coherent and scientifically-based view of the world around them.
Key Instructional Shifts of NGSS
Key Instructional Shifts of NGSS
Phenomena-driven three-dimensional learning
Phenomena-driven three-dimensional learning
Students engage in scientific inquiry of phenomena using all three dimensions of the CA NGSS.
Coherent across the curriculum
Coherent across the curriculum
Learning builds upon itself from year to year and science integrates with other subject areas.
Relevant to local communities and student interests
Relevant to local communities and student interests
Content and skills build on students' existing experience to learn about and solve real-world problems.
Additional NGSS Resources
Additional NGSS Resources
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