1. Leadership for Excellence in Science 1 A Framework for K-12 Science Education and Next Generation Science Standards 1

2. Leadership for Excellence in Science 2 èThe project was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. èThe Committee on a Conceptual Framework for New Science Education Standards was charged with developing a framework that articulates a broad set of expectations for students in science. It was released on July 19, 2011. èThis PDF is available from The National Academies Press at www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13165 www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13165 2 A Framework for K-12 Science Education

3. Leadership for Excellence in Science 3 A Framework for K-12 Science Education The overarching goal of the framework for K-12 science education is to ensure that by the end of 12th grade, all students have: some appreciation of the beauty and wonder of science; possess sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on related issues; are careful consumers of scientific and technological information related to their everyday lives; are able to continue to learn about science outside school; and have the skills to enter careers of their choice, including (but not limited to) careers in science, engineering, and technology. (NRC, 2011) 3

4. Leadership for Excellence in Science 4 From Framework to Standards… èThis framework builds on the strong foundation of previous studies that have sought to identify and describe the major ideas for K-12 science education. èAchieve, Inc. will develop next-generation standards for science education based on the framework presented in this report with the aspiration that many states will choose to adopt them. They are tentatively scheduled for release next July. 4

5. Leadership for Excellence in Science 5 A Framework for K-12 Science Education  Rigorous content and applications of higher- order skills - Fewer and more rigorous. The goal is increased clarity.  Stress conceptual understanding as well as procedural skills  Organized around principles 5

6. Leadership for Excellence in Science 6 From Framework to Standards… The committee recommends that science education in grades K-12 be built around three major dimensions: èScientific and engineering practices; èCrosscutting concepts that unify the study of science and engineering through their common application across fields; and èCore ideas in four disciplinary areas: physical sciences; life sciences; earth and space sciences; and engineering, technology, and the applications of science. 6

7. Leadership for Excellence in Science 7 From Framework to Standards… 7

8. Leadership for Excellence in Science 8 1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) 2. Developing and using models 3. Planning and carrying out investigations 4. Analyzing and interpreting data 5. Using mathematics, information and computer technology, and computational thinking 6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering) 7. Engaging in argument from evidence 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information Science and Engineering Practices

9. Leadership for Excellence in Science 9 Scientific and Engineering Practices For your assigned practice: èComplete a T-chart listing what that practice looks like and sounds like in the classroom èInclude evidence from yesterday’s investigation “Liquids in Water”

10. Leadership for Excellence in Science 10 Next Generation Science Standards Draft released for public comment on May 11, 2012 http://www.nextgenscience.org/ èOnly a few big ideas in each grade level èIntertwining of: § Disciplinary Core Ideas § Science and Engineering Practices § Crosscutting Concepts èConnections to: § Disciplinary Core Ideas within grade level § Disciplinary Core Ideas across grade levels § Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and English Language Arts

11. Leadership for Excellence in Science 11