Topical resources

Phenomena are occurrences in the natural or designed world that are puzzling. They do not have to be spectacular, but they have to be readily observable and take place because of mechanisms that are not immediately obvious to the observer.

NGSS Phenomena: Resources about and catalog of phenomena

Iowa Science Phenomena: Catalog of phenomena specific to our neighbors to the south, with related lesson plan suggestions

Science and engineering practices are how students engage in science or engineering. The Framework describes 8, expanded on in NGSS Appendix F.

STEM Teaching Tools on the practices: Info on instructional models that fit the practices, use in assessment, and more.

Helping Students Make Sense of the World Using Next Generation Science and Engineering Practices: NSTA Press book with overview of what it means to engage students in science and engineering practices and chapters on each practice.

Unpack Everything podcast: interviews with a curriculum designer and teacher on what the science and engineering practices are and how to deploy them in the classroom

The crosscutting concepts may be thought of as lenses that scientists (and students) use to make sense of phenomena across the sciences. As discussed in NGSS Appendix G, the Framework identifies 7 crosscutting concepts.

STEM Teaching Tool #41: Resource detailing prompts to help integrate the crosscutting concepts.

Crosscutting Concepts: Strengthening Science and Engineering Learning: NSTA Press book that serves as the most detailed available resource for the crosscutting concepts.

Unpack Everything podcast: interviews with a researcher and teacher on what the crosscutting concepts are and how to deploy them in the classroom.

The disciplinary core ideas were selected for their ability to help students make sense of the most important phenomena that a discipline can help explain. The DCIs are mapped across grade levels here.

Disciplinary Core Ideas: Reshaping Teaching and Learning: NSTA Press book providing detailed analyses of disciplinary core ideas in life science, physical science, Earth and space science, and engineering.

Unpack Everything podcast: interviews with a curriculum designer and educator reflecting on how disciplinary core ideas differ from just plain "content."

Supporting student talk: TERC Inquiry Project Goals and Moves

Planning to support student sensemaking: Next Generation Science Storylines tools

Assessment: Contextus