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The Next Generation Science Standards hold the possibility of improving science education and student achievement. We have discussed the vision for the standards along with key principles of the framework which has given us a peek into where teaching and learning will go with the implementation of the NGSS. We now will turn our learning to a discussion of what will be new and different with the NGSS. We call these changes Conceptual Shifts, or Innovations. They are summarized in Appendix A - Conceptual Shifts in the Next Generation Science Standards.
The implications of these shifts, or innovations, are very important to understand what will be different as we begin to implement the NGSS in districts, schools, and classrooms. They will affect how curriculum and assessments will look, how we plan instruction, how we teach, and how students learn. I have provided a summary of them below.
K-12 science education should reflect the interconnected nature of science as it is practiced and experienced in the real world.
The Next Generation Science Standards are written as student performance expectations.
The science concepts in the NGSS build coherently from K-12.
The NGSS focus on deeper understanding of content as well as application of content.
Science and engineering are integrated in the NGSS, from K-12.
The NGSS are designed to prepare students for college, career, and citizenship.
The NGSS and Common Core State Standards (English Language Arts and Mathematics) are aligned.
Your task at this time is to take time to read Appendix A from the NGSS. As you read, make notes about what you are reading. Focus on the question: "What are the implications of this shift in how your district, school, and classroom will look when you are implementing the NGSS?" Make a table like the one below to guide your thinking. In the next activity you will be asked to share one idea for each shift from your reading.
Reading for This Section
Appendix A - Conceptual Shifts in the Next Generation Science Standards
When you have finished reading and taking notes, click the right arrow to begin discussing each shift. If you are working as a group, take some time to discuss what each of you have recorded before moving forward.
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The Interconnected
Nature of Science
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