The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), has three distinct and equally important dimensions to learning science.  These dimensions are combined to form each standard or performance expectation (what students are expected to be mastered by the end of the unit) and each dimension works with the other two to help students build cohesive understanding of science over time.  The three dimensions are (see NGSS 3 dimension image):

 

Each unit starts of with a phenomena that is observable, real-life contexts that form the basis of a question or a problem to be solved around the content (DCI).  During the introduction to the phenomena students will make observations and ask questions about what they see.  Then, students will use the science engineering practices (SEP) to discover the science content (DCI) like planning an investigation or analyzing data.  As students make new observations they may use the Cross Cutting Concepts (XCC) to "think" like a scientist by looking for patterns or cause and effect.  Students then apply their knowledge to the phenomena and they keep repeating the process until they understand the phenomena (see science unit/lesson flow image)

NGSS 3-dimensions

NGSS 3-dimensions

 

NGSS Performance Expectations and Ca Framework

 

 

 

Resources for Planning

 

Anchor Phenomena:  Anchor phenomena are those observable, real-life contexts that form the basis of a question or a problem to be solved.  They are very complex.  They represent questions we can't answer in a single experiment or problem we can't solve in one round of prototyping.  

 

Investigative Phenomena:  Is an offshoot of the anchor phenomena.  

 

 

 

Secondary:

Science and Engineering Practices:  How students "discover" the content

 

	Asking Questions and Defining Problems	Asking Question Matrix K-12 Defining Problems Matrix K-12 Asking Questions Graphic Organizer
	Developing and Using Models	Model Matrix K-12 Elements of a Science Model Developing a Model Graphic Organizer Small Group Model Whole Group Model Sticky-Notes + Language scaffolds as tools for changing models
	Planning and Carrying out Investigations	Planning and Carrying out Investigation Matrix Planning and Carrying out Investigation Graphic Organizer Have students explain what has to be kept the same, one thing they want to change, and how they will measure.
	Analyzing and Interpreting Data	Analyze and Interpret Data Matrix Analyze and Interpret Data Graphic Organizer
	Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking	Mathematical and Computational Thinking Matrix K-12 Mathematical and Computational Thinking Graphic Organizer
	Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions	Constructing Explanations Matrix K-12 Designing Solutions Matrix K-12 Constructing Explanations Graphic Organizer
	Engaging in Argument from Evidence	Engaging in Argument from Evidence Matrix K-12 Claim, Evidence, Reasoning, Poster Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning Writing Support CER Graphic Organizer
	Obtaining, Evaluating and Communicating Information	Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communication Information Matrix K-12

• K-2 Science and Engineering Practices
• NGSS Inquiry Cards

Cross Cutting Concepts:   How students "think" or the "lens" they use to understand science

 

	Cause and Effect	Cause and Effect Matrix K-12 Cause and Effect Graphic Organizer
	Structure and Function	Structure and Function Matrix K-12 Structure and Function Graphic Organizer Environment Fitness Structure
	System and System Models	System and System Models Matrix K-12 System and System Model Graphic Organizer
	Scale, Proportion, and Quantity	Scale, Proportion, and Quantity Matrix K-12 Scale, Proportion, and Quantity Graphic Organizer
	Stability and Change	Stability and Change Matrix K-12 Stability and Change Graphic Organizer
	Energy and Matter	Energy and Matter Matrix K-12 Energy and Matter Graphic Organizer
	Patterns	Pattern Matrix K-12 Pattern Graphic Organizer

 

Science Talk

 

• Talk Science Primer
• Formative Assessment Talk Moves

 

2) Gallery Walk with Partners (Resource Link <-- same as above)

3) Notable Notebooks by Jessica Fries- Gaither (each site has two copies check with the librarian)

4) Video of students explaining their science notebooks

 

CAST Test Items

 

Students are tested in 5th, 8th, and 11th grade and the items cover items that in are previous grades.  For example they are tested in 5th grade but it covers 3-5th grade science content.

 

 

6th Grade