Because science education has evolved so dramatically over the past two decades, today's science classrooms require a blend of conventional pedagogical principles with student-centered approaches. To further illustrate the need for this combination, we spoke with Rachael Toy, secondary science specialist for Henrico County Public Schools in Henrico, Virginia, who suggested seven key strategies that can transform your science instruction and help develop scientifically literate citizens.

1. Focus on Science and Engineering Practices Over Content Delivery

The biggest shift in modern science education is moving away from lecture-heavy, content-dumping approaches toward having students engage in science and engineering practices, Toy contends. Instead of filling PowerPoint slides with information for students to copy, create opportunities for students to ask questions, analyze data, construct explanations, and engage in scientific argumentation.

Action step. Redesign one unit that replaces conventional lecturing with student-centered, real-world investigation in which learners must make sense of phenomena themselves through observation and analysis. You can even use the NGSS Lesson Screener to quickly evaluate the efficacy of your lesson plan.

2. Connect Science to Real-World Problems in Students' Communities

Science becomes meaningful when students see its relevance to their daily lives and local community. Look for opportunities to address environmental issues, infrastructure problems, or community health challenges occurring in your students' neighborhoods, Toy suggests.

Success story. One middle school had students investigate flooding on a pathway to school, leading them to explore concepts of permeable and non-permeable surfaces while developing an action plan to improve student safety during rainy days.

3. Embrace Crosscutting Concepts and Interdisciplinary Connections

Help students understand that science fields aren’t isolated into separate subjects, says Toy. Physics connects to biology, which connects to chemistry, which connects to Earth science. Use projects that integrate multiple disciplines, including other subjects besides science, and show students how science connects to math, social studies, and language arts.

Implementation tip. Design meaningful projects that naturally incorporate multiple science disciplines and require students to use skills from other content areas.

4. Be Intentional About Technology Integration

Technology should enhance learning, not replace thinking. When considering any digital tool or AI platform, ask yourself: What is the instructional value? What am I really trying to help students learn? The goal is to get students thinking and analyzing, not just engaging with flashy interfaces, Toy notes.

Guidelines for AI Use

• Establish clear policies about appropriate use.
• Focus on developing students' digital citizenship skills.
• Ask deeper questions that require critical thinking beyond what can be easily found online.
• Model responsible technology use.

5. Develop a Systematic Approach to Evaluating Instructional Materials

Don't get swept up in the latest educational fad or tool just because it's new, Toy cautions. Create a structured process for evaluating and selecting high-quality instructional materials that align with your learning objectives.

Vetting Process

• Check if similar tools are already available in your district.
• Consult with instructional technology specialists.
• Ensure data privacy and security compliance.
• Evaluate the tool's true educational value vs. its entertainment factor.

6. Prioritize Student Curiosity and Wonder

The heart of science education is fostering curiosity and helping students develop a sense of wonder about the natural world. “Students should leave your classroom saying, ‘I didn't know that!’ rather than ‘I filled in all the blanks correctly,’ Toy explains.

Practical Strategies

• Start lessons with puzzling phenomena rather than definitions.
• Encourage student questions and use them to drive instruction.
• Create opportunities for students to explore and discover concepts independently.
• Model scientific thinking by wondering aloud about everyday observations.

7. Scaffold Support for Science Learners

Effective science instruction meets students where they are, whether they need foundational content knowledge, pedagogical support, or academic extensions. This is particularly important because many new science teachers enter the field without traditional education preparation, Toy points out.

Differentiation Approaches

• Provide sentence stems for students who need communication support.
• Offer extension activities for students who want to dig deeper into a topic.
• Create multiple pathways for students to demonstrate understanding.

Developing Science-Literate Citizens

Remember that the goal of science education isn't to create more scientists (though that's wonderful, too), says Toy. It's to develop citizens who can navigate an increasingly complex world filled with scientific information, emerging technologies, and environmental challenges. Students need to be able to evaluate sources, understand data, make informed decisions about their health and community, and approach problems with logical, evidence-based thinking, she emphasizes

These skills extend far beyond the science classroom. They're the same problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities students will need throughout their lives, whether they're planning their daily commute, evaluating health information, or participating in community decisions about local environmental issues, Toy observes

By focusing on authentic experiences, meaningful connections, and thoughtful integration of technology, we can help every student develop the scientific literacy they'll need to thrive as informed citizens in the 21st century, she concludes.

The mission of NSTA is to transform science education to benefit all through professional learning, partnerships, and advocacy.