SCIENCE
Elementary Earth Science
Explore the Earth, weather, rocks, and natural resources with hands-on activities for young learners.
Example Activity:
Create a model of the water cycle using household materials.
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SCIENCE
Life Sciences for Young Learners
Resources for teaching about plants, animals, habitats, and basic biology concepts.
Example Activity:
Observe plant growth using simple classroom gardens.
SCIENCE
Physical Science Fundamentals
Explore matter, energy, forces, and motion through engaging experiments and activities.
Example Activity:
Build simple machines to demonstrate mechanical advantage.
SCIENCE
Middle School Earth Science
Investigate Earth's systems, geology, atmosphere, and human impact on the environment.
Example Activity:
Model tectonic plate movements and investigate earthquake patterns.
SCIENCE
Middle School Life Science
Resources for teaching cells, genetics, ecosystems, and human body systems.
Example Activity:
Model cell processes using interactive simulations.
SCIENCE
Middle School Physical Science
Explore energy transformations, chemical reactions, forces, and engineering design.
Example Activity:
Design and test simple electric circuits.
SCIENCE
High School Biology
Advanced resources for molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology.
Example Activity:
Analyze DNA sequences to understand evolutionary relationships.
SCIENCE
High School Chemistry
Resources for teaching atomic structure, bonding, reactions, and stoichiometry.
Example Activity:
Design experiments to investigate reaction rates and equilibrium.
SCIENCE
High School Physics
Advanced materials for mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.
Example Activity:
Design and test projectile motion experiments.
SCIENCE
Earth & Space Science
Advanced resources for astronomy, geology, meteorology, and environmental science.
Example Activity:
Analyze data to investigate climate change patterns.
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SCIENCE
Scientific Methods & Practices
Resources for teaching the scientific method, experimental design, and data analysis.
Example Activity:
Design and conduct controlled experiments to test hypotheses.
SCIENCE
Environmental Science
Resources for exploring environmental issues, conservation, and sustainability.
Example Activity:
Conduct water quality testing in local ecosystems.
Scientific Practices
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) emphasize eight key scientific practices that students should develop throughout their science education. These practices help students understand how science works and how to think like scientists.
The Eight Science and Engineering Practices:
- Asking questions and defining problems
Scientists ask questions about the natural world, while engineers define problems that need to be solved.
- Developing and using models
Scientists and engineers use models to represent systems and test ideas.
- Planning and carrying out investigations
Scientists plan and conduct investigations to test explanations and collect data.
- Analyzing and interpreting data
Scientists analyze data to reveal patterns and relationships that inform explanations and conclusions.
- Using mathematics and computational thinking
Scientists use mathematical and computational tools to represent variables and their relationships.
- Constructing explanations and designing solutions
Scientists construct theories to explain phenomena, while engineers design solutions to problems.
- Engaging in argument from evidence
Scientists use reasoning and evidence to evaluate and critique explanations and solutions.
- Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Scientists evaluate and communicate scientific ideas through reading, writing, and presenting.
Resources for Scientific Practices:
Effective Science Teaching Strategies
Research-based strategies to enhance science instruction and promote deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
Phenomenon-Based Learning
Start with observable phenomena that spark curiosity and generate questions. Use these phenomena to drive investigations and concept development throughout a unit.
Inquiry-Based Instruction
Guide students through the process of asking questions, designing investigations, collecting and analyzing data, and constructing explanations based on evidence.
Three-Dimensional Learning
Integrate disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and scientific practices to help students build a coherent understanding of science over time.
Formative Assessment Probes
Use diagnostic questions to uncover student thinking, identify misconceptions, and guide instruction to address specific learning needs.
Science Notebooks
Have students maintain science notebooks to record observations, questions, data, and explanations. This supports the development of scientific thinking and communication skills.
Authentic Assessment
Evaluate student understanding through performance tasks, scientific explanations, and models that require application of scientific concepts in meaningful contexts.