NGSS is Three-Dimensional Learning

Students take a more active role

• Making sense of phenomena
• Finding solutions to problems

Using the three dimensions

• Disciplinary Core Ideas
• Crosscutting Concepts  and
• Science and Engineering Practices

Seven Key Conceptual Shifts

1. K-12 science education should reflect the interconnected nature of science as it is practiced and experienced in the real world.
2. The next generation science standards are student performance expectations – NOT curriculum.
3. The science concepts in the NGSS build coherently from K–12.
4. The NGSS focus on deeper understanding of content as well as application of content.
5. Science and engineering are integrated in the NGSS, from K–12.
6. The NGSS are designed to prepare students for college, career, and citizenship.
7. The NGSS and Common Core State Standards (English Language Arts and Mathematics) are aligned.

CUSD Adoption Plans for NGSS Curriculum

• November, 2018: Instructional materials adopted by State Board of Education
• January 23 & May 10th, 2019: K-5 Science Lead Meeting dates
• Review Curriculum choices* (Jan 29th SCCOE Curriculum Fair)
• Determine which Curricula to review/ vet
• Determine which Curricula to pilot in Fall, 2019
• January 15 & April 5th, 2019: 6-8 Science Lead Meetings dates:
• Review Curriculum choices; (Jan 30th SCCOE Curriculum Fair) based on choices determine if integrated or discipline specific
• Determine which Curricula to review/ vet
• Determine which Curricula to pilot in Fall, 2019
• March 18th (Learning Day): MS Science teachers review curriculum during publisher presentations; K-5 publisher presentation date TBD
• Fall, 2019: Pilot curriculum
• Spring, 2020: Select curriculum to adopt
• 2020-2021:  Adopted NGSS curriculum in CUSD classrooms

NGSS Resources

• California Science Test (CAST)
• SCCOE NGSS resources
• Next Generation Science Standards
• NGSS for California Public Schools, K-12
• Phenomena videos for NGSS
• Exploratorium’s Science Snacks (exploring natural phenomena)
• New Classroom Videos Demonstrating Transitions to NGSS
• Teaching NGSS Engineering Design through Media
• Developing Assessments for NGSS
• CSTA NGSS Site  
• NGSS @ NSTA
• Concord Consortium:Finding Path through NGSS
• NGSS @ NSTA Matrix of Science and Engineering Practices
• NGSS Classroom Sample Assessment Tasks 

Additional Resources and Supports:

• NASA Resources: STEM Classroom Combos

• Monterey Bay Aquarium: Project-Based Science

• PG&E Energy Education Series: Water, Energy, and the Environment

• Discovery Ed/3M Science of Everyday Life: Lesson Plans

• Gardening: Agriculture in the Classroom Lessons

• Computer Science in Science Project Guts (Growing Up Thinking Scientifically)

• BloomSky: Weather Camera;  BloomSky iPad App

• Engineering is Everywhere: Middle School Units

• The Tech Museum of Innovation: Design Challenge Lessons; Tech Challenge

• Try Engineering: Resources & Lessons

• Caine’s Arcade: Global Cardboard Challenge