My interest in geoscience education research is focused on (a) bridging the gap between the experience of science as a scientist and the experience of students, and (b) facilitating the connection between quality educational experiences in science and practical use of those experiences in educational settings. Much of this work has centered on the K-12 Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).  The NGSS represent a shift in what students are expected to know and be able to do by the end of high school because they require students to demonstrate proficiency in science practice and themes (referred to as crosscutting concepts in the NGSS) in addition to science content through integrated "3-dimensional learning".  They also require instruction on topics in the Earth and space sciences at all grade bands from kindergarten to high school, which will bring the Earth and space sciences into schools and classrooms where such topics may have not been previously taught.  As the standards are implemented in adopter states around the country, there is a need for NGSS-related curriculum and other educational products, especially those related to the Earth and space sciences.