NGSS Phenomena Example

Phenomena are events or phenomena in the natural world that can be used as the starting point for scientific investigation and the development of scientific explanations.

In the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), phenomena are used as a way to engage students in scientific inquiry and to encourage them to ask questions about the world around them.

One example of a phenomenon that could be used in the NGSS is the formation of clouds. Clouds are a common occurrence in the sky and are visible to most people on a daily basis. However, despite their familiarity, clouds can be a source of mystery and confusion for many people. For example, students might wonder why clouds form, what they are made of, and how they move through the sky.

In the NGSS, the formation of clouds could be used as a starting point for scientific inquiry. Students could be asked to observe clouds in the sky and to consider what they know and what they would like to learn about clouds. They could then be asked to design and conduct experiments or gather data to answer their questions about clouds. Through this process, students could develop scientific explanations for the formation and behavior of clouds, as well as learn about the role of water vapor, temperature, and air pressure in the formation of clouds.

Overall, using phenomena as a starting point for scientific investigation is a powerful way to engage students in the process of science and to encourage them to ask questions about the world around them. Below are 15 other examples of NGSS phenomena across multiple subjects.

1. The changing seasons: This phenomenon can be observed throughout the year and can be used to teach students about the Earth's tilt, rotation, and revolution, as well as the causes of different seasons.

2. The water cycle: This phenomenon can be observed in various forms, such as precipitation, evaporation, and condensation, and can be used to teach students about the movement of water on Earth and the role of the Sun in the water cycle.

3. The behavior of magnetism: This phenomenon can be observed in various natural and human-made systems, such as compasses, electric motors, and can be used to teach students about the properties of magnetism, such as poles, magnetic field and the factors that affect its behavior.

4. The movement of the Moon: This phenomenon can be observed in the night sky and can be used to teach students about the relative positions and motions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, as well as the causes of lunar phases.

5. The growth of plants: This phenomenon can be observed in gardens, parks, and fields and can be used to teach students about the life cycles of plants, photosynthesis, and the role of water, light and nutrients in their growth.

6. The behavior of animals: This phenomenon can be observed in various ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and oceans, and can be used to teach students about animal behavior, adaptation, and the interdependence of organisms.

7. The erosion of land: This phenomenon can be observed in various landscapes, such as beaches, mountains, and rivers, and can be used to teach students about the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition, as well as the impact of human activities on the environment.

8. The movement of tectonic plates: This phenomenon can be observed in earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountains, and can be used to teach students about the Earth's structure and plate tectonics.

9. The behavior of waves: This phenomenon can be observed in various bodies of water, such as oceans, lakes, and rivers, and can be used to teach students about the properties of waves, such as wavelength, amplitude and frequency, and the factors that affect their behavior.

10. The spread of disease: This phenomenon can be observed in outbreaks of infectious diseases and can be used to teach students about the causes and spread of disease, as well as the role of immunity and vaccination in preventing their spread.

11. The impact of human activities on air quality: This phenomenon can be observed in changes in air pollution levels and can be used to teach students about the causes and effects of air pollution, as well as the role of human activities in affecting air quality.

12. The behavior of gases: This phenomenon can be observed in various natural and human-made systems, such as weather systems, combustion engines and can be used to teach students about the properties of gases and their behavior under different conditions

13. The behavior of sound: This phenomenon can be observed in various sources of sound and can be used to teach students about the properties of sound, such as wavelength, frequency, and amplitude, and the factors that affect its behavior.

14. The behavior of electricity: This phenomenon can be observed in various natural and human-made systems, such as thunderstorms, electrical circuits and can be used to teach students about the properties of electricity and its behavior under different conditions

15. The behavior of light: This phenomenon can be observed in various natural and human-made systems, such as the rainbow, optical fibers and can be used to teach students about the properties of light, such as wavelength, frequency, and amplitude, and the factors that affect its behavior.