NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS and PROJECT LEAD THE WAY MHS PTA Parent Presentation October 4, 2017

Next Generation Science Standards Know Think Do Science

WHAT ARE THE NEW SCIENCE STANDARDS? A new set of K–12 science standards that were developed by states, for states All K–12 students should master in order to prepare for success in college and 21st-century careers. Identify scientific and engineering practices. crosscutting concepts core ideas in science

WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT? Students need the kind of preparation that gives them the tools and skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly and continuously changing world. When current students graduate from high school, more jobs will require skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) than in the past. A strong science education that equips students with the ability to think critically, analyze information, and solve complex problems.

Key Shifts in NGSS Focus: The NGSS are Focused on deeper understanding and application of science content reflecting real-world interconnectedness Coherence: Science and engineering Build Coherently across K–12. Integration: Science and Engineering are Integrated across K–12 in the NGSS.

Instructional Shifts in the NGSS Focus on big picture, not individual lessons Learning Progressions Science and Engineering Evidence of student learning

WHAT WILL THE NGSS LOOK LIKE IN THE CLASSROOM? Hands-on, collaborative, and integrated environment rooted in inquiry and discovery Student-centered learning that enables students to think on their own, problem solve, communicate, and collaborate Learning important scientific concepts

A New Vision for Science Education Implications of the Vision of the Framework for K-12 SCIENCE EDUCATION WILL INVOLVE LESS: SCIENCE EDUCATION WILL INVOLVE MORE: Rote memorization of facts and terminology Facts and terminology learned as needed while developing explanations and designing solutions supported by evidence-based arguments and reasoning. Learning of ideas disconnected from questions about phenomena Systems thinking and modeling to explain phenomena and to give a context for the ideas to be learned Teachers providing information to the whole class Students conducting investigations, solving problems, and engaging in discussions with teachers’ guidance Teachers posing questions with only one right answer Students discussing open-ended questions that focus on the strength of the evidence used to generate claims

A New Vision for Science Education Implications of the Vision of the Framework for K-12 SCIENCE EDUCATION WILL INVOLVE LESS: SCIENCE EDUCATION WILL INVOLVE MORE: Students reading textbooks and answering questions at the end of the chapter Students reading multiple sources, including science-related magazine and journal articles and web-based resources; students developing summaries of information. Pre-planned outcome for “cookbook” laboratories or hands-on activities Multiple investigations driven by students’ questions with a range of possible outcomes that collectively lead to a deep understanding of established core scientific ideas Worksheets Student writing of journals, reports, posters, and media presentations that explain and argue Oversimplification of activities for students who are perceived to be less able to do science and engineering Provision of supports so that all students can engage in sophisticated science and engineering practices

Elementary: When will it happen? Year 1 2016-2017 Year 2 2017-2018 Year 3 2018-2019 5th Grade Science Assessment Pilot Test Professional Development 5Es and Problem Based Learning NGSS Overview Align Content with NGSS 5th Grade Science Assessment Field Test NGSS Lead Teachers at Each Site Professional Development based on needs assessment Refine Content Alighment with NGSS Develop or identify and implement a second NGSS-aligned unit or PBL per grade level Explore common summative assessments at all grades 5th Grade Science Assessment Operational Professional Development on-going Implement NGSS-aligned content Develop or identify and implement a third NGSS-aligned unit or PBL per grade level Implement common summative assessments at all grades

Big Picture- Shifts at all grade levels NGSS Awareness for all teachers Content Alignment Instructional Shifts: Student Centered and Inquiry Based Project Based Learning The 5 Es Instructional Cycle Engagement Exploration Explanation Elaboration Evaluation

Tips for Parents See science everywhere Encourage girls and boys equally Do science together Connect science with a family vacation Encourage your child’s natural curiosity Let your child ask the questions Enable your child to guide the investigation Seek creative solutions while gardening, cooking and other activities at home Get involved in community activities, like water clean-ups or visit science centers

Do Science in Your Home Observing: Invite young eyes and fingers to notice small details. Classifying: Put things in groups based on their characteristics. Predicting: Put ideas about how the world works into words and test them. Quantifying: Encourage children to quantify the world around them. Observing-“What shapes do you see in that spider web?” “Does the crust on this bread feel different from the crust on that one?” Classify--“Let’s sort the socks by color.” “Can you think of a way to divide your toys according to a pattern?” Predicting-“How long will an ice cube last sitting on the counter?” “Will it last longer on another surface? Quantifying: “Who is the shortest person in the family? By how much?” “How many steps big is your room? The living room?”

Set High Expectations Discuss science and technology careers. Explore informal education sites. Check out science-related library books and read them together. Encourage your child to take things apart!