Phenomena
Slides - Phenomena
Phenomena are observable events that students can use the three NGSS dimensions to explain or make sense of.
SCIENCE - Natural phenomena are observable events that occur in the universe and that we can use our science knowledge to explain or predict. The goal of building knowledge in science is to develop general ideas, based on evidence, that can explain and predict phenomena.
ENGINEERING - Engineering involves designing solutions to problems that arise from phenomena, and using explanations of phenomena to design solutions.
Importance of Phenomenon-based Learning
Supports student agency for wanting to build science and engineering knowledge.
Students are motivated to explain
The focus of learning shifts from learning about a topic to figuring out why or how something happens.
Leads to deeper and more transferable knowledge.
Science as a way of understanding and improving real world context
Databases of Phenomena for NGSS
Much of the material on this page has been copied from; "Using Phenomena in NGSS-Designed Lessons and Units" (source)