The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are a set of science education standards that were developed by the National Research Council, the National Science Teachers Association, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
These standards were released in 2013 and have been adopted by over 20 states in the United States, with many more states considering adoption.
One of the key features of the NGSS is that they are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing teachers to design lessons and units that meet the needs and interests of their students. The NGSS are organized around three dimensions: disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts. These dimensions are intended to provide a cohesive and coherent framework for science instruction and to help students develop a deep understanding of scientific concepts.
The disciplinary core ideas of the NGSS are the key scientific concepts that students should learn at each grade level. These concepts are organized into four main areas: physical sciences, life sciences, earth and space sciences, and engineering, technology, and applications of science. The NGSS emphasize the importance of building on students' prior knowledge and helping them to make connections between different scientific concepts.
The science and engineering practices of the NGSS describe the skills and abilities that students should develop as they engage in scientific inquiry. These practices include asking questions, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, constructing explanations, and engaging in argument from evidence. The goal is to help students develop the skills and habits of mind that are necessary for scientific thinking and problem-solving.
The crosscutting concepts of the NGSS are the ways in which different scientific disciplines intersect and overlap. These concepts include patterns, cause and effect, scale, proportion, and quantity, systems and system models, energy and matter, and structure and function. By focusing on crosscutting concepts, the NGSS aim to help students see the connections between different scientific disciplines and to understand how science is relevant to their own lives.
There are a number of benefits to using the NGSS in science education. One of the main benefits is that the NGSS provide a clear and coherent framework for science instruction, helping teachers to design lessons and units that are aligned with the standards and that promote deep understanding of scientific concepts. The NGSS also emphasize the importance of student-centered, inquiry-based learning, which can lead to increased student engagement and achievement.
Overall, the NGSS represent a significant shift in the way science is taught in the United States. By focusing on the integration of scientific practices, core ideas, and crosscutting concepts, the NGSS aim to help students develop a deep understanding of science and to become scientifically literate citizens.