Come Back Science

Rodger Bybee summarizes the core and component ideas found in the K-12 life sciences Next Generation Science (NGS) Standards by separating them into 4 core ideas: They are: From Molecules t... See More

Rodger Bybee summarizes the core and component ideas found in the K-12 life sciences Next Generation Science (NGS) Standards by separating them into 4 core ideas: They are: From Molecules to Organisms- structure and function; Ecosystems- interactions, energy, and dynamics; Heredity- inheritance and variation; and Biological Evolution- unity and diversity. After explaining what each core idea includes, he inserts the middle school learning standard (MS-LS) and explains the performance expectations (developed from the National Research Council’s A Framework for 1-12 Science Education). Next he explains how to identify the NGS science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts. Finally he shows how the NSG standards are aligned with the Common Core State Standards in ELA/Literacy and Mathematics. The bad news is that some ‘bad habits’ have now been established in elementary classrooms where science has taken a way back seat to teaching and learning. The good news is that the NGS standards are aligned with the CCSSI making it easier for teachers to see connections and re-establish a purpose for welcoming science back into the classrooms. Teachers are now ready to see how these new standards will play out in their classrooms and daily lesson plans. But they still have questions. What will the new assessments look like? What will the new resources and activities look like? Hear what Rodger has to say. The article is a great read for helping teachers see the good side of having new science standards. Also, for those teachers still unfamiliar with the NGS Standards, this article is an excellent overview.