The
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are K-12 science standards that can be
incorporated in the curriculum. These new science standards were designed
because of a rising need for research-base, science-inquiry instruction. They
were developed by the states to improve science education for all students. These
standards will help all students, no matter of their career choice, to obtain a
solid K-12 science education by refining their skills in a way to be critical
thinkers and know how to make sense of the world they live in. The world has
change a lot compared to when the education standards were fist designed. The
NGSS is needed now for the purpose of our world being so complex, innovative,
and the advances for technology and health as well as developing an in-depth
understanding of problem solving. Also, to provide a rich content and practice
for living today’s world. The goal is to provide a science education for
students to always remember and practice throughout their lives. It is
important to keep in mind that the Next Generation Science Standards are
objectives that reveal what a student should know and what a student should be
able to do. There is no obligation to adopt these standards however, only that
educators should seriously consider them for the betterment of students’
education and careers. The NGSS are also designed to provide information to
teachers and give teachers the flexibility to provide classroom experiences
that stimulate learning. These learning standards do not take place of teaching
strategies though they can be used alongside district, state standards and
objectives such as Texas essential knowledge and skills (TEKs).
A
unique feature of NGSS that are different from previous standards is the NGSS
outlines a framework that has three dimensions: disciplinary core ideas (DICs),
science and engineering practices (SEPs), and crosscutting concepts (CCs) [NRC,
2012]. Dimension one is designed to engage in scientific investigation, build
models, and theories about the world. Dimension two establishes crosscutting
practices across all science domains. Dimension three makes certain to not
teach but to expand scientific knowledge during the K-12 years; it provides for
all students to gain sufficient core knowledge so they can later acquire
additional information on their own. The previous standards cannot support and
prepare students for high school, college, and careers in the way in which the
NGSS can. For example, NGSS is unique because they deliver science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to provide foundation and skills connecting
through concepts that are meaningful. The NGSS includes core concepts such as
physical science, life science, earth science, space science also including
engineering and technology. The NGSS follow a state led development without
intervention of the federal government. The framework for the NGSS, K-12 grades
follow a path in which state experts of science, engineering, teaching and
learning, curriculum, assessment, and educational science were responsible for
writing. In addition the National Research Council (NRC), the National Science
Teacher Association (NSTA), the American Association for the Advancement of
Science (AAAS) are other partners who paved the way in the development of the
NGSS movement. The Next Generation Science Standards are exclusive for the
reason that the standards were finalized and released in April 2013 (NRC,
2012).
NRC (National Research Council). (2012). A framework
for K–12 science education: Practices, crosscutting
concepts, and core ideas. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
