05 - Principles of the Framework

These principles are very important in understanding why the Next Generation Science Standards were constructed the way they are. For that reason I am going to ask you to spend some time reading from the Framework for K-12 Science Education. If you have a copy, you can find the text on pages 24-29. You can also find these specific pages as a PDF file by clicking on the link to the right.

As you read, consider the following questions:

• 1. What do we know about how children approach science?

  2. What is different about how novices and experts in a field approach new information? How does the Framework (and the NGSS) attempt to address this difference?

  3. How does the Framework (and the NGSS) help to develop deep understanding of scientific explanations?

  4. How are knowledge and practice essential elements in learning science and engineering?

  5. Why is it important to connect learning to students' interests and experiences? How does this connection promote equity in science education?

I encourage you to write down (if working individually) or chart (if working as a group) your responses. When you have finished, click the right arrow to continue with your learning, or the left arrow to review previous learning.