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

2. Next Generation Science Standards
Know
Think Do
Science

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Elementary: When will it happen?
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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?”

15. 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!