The Next Generation Science Standards
(Grades K-12) / Flex Course
PDI Course Number: 36T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC40102
Course Description
Have you tried to make sense of the Next Generation Science Standards without feeling successful? Are you overwhelmed because your district has adopted these standards and you are not sure where to begin? This online course for teachers is designed for educators in grades K-12 who want to unpack the complexity of the Next Generation Science Standards. This course takes teachers through a step-by-step explanation of the standards, including a thorough description of the conceptual framework leading into how to interpret the science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas at each respective grade band. Performance expectations for the standards are also addressed. The role of curricula is discussed, as well as how Universal Design for Learning plays an important role in the assessment of the standards. Teachers will be introduced to an overview of assessment and how it applies to the Next Generation Science standards, as well as a brief overview of how to bundle some of the core ideas contained within the standards. Suggestions for integrating technology into science instruction are also shared. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will have a thorough understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards and have gained the ability to put them into practice in the classroom. This online professional development course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on receiving university credit for your PDI professional development course, visit our credit page.
Need help? Allison Wynne, PDI Program Coordinator, is ready to assist.
"This is a very well put together course!! I have really learned a lot about the new standards and how they are meant to be implemented." - Carol Dicksen
This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units or 5 quarter units of graduate-level credit from UCSD.
You have up to one year from the date you are enrolled to complete a flex course.
View the online course syllabus.
Print our customized course approval form to share with your school district.
TOPICAL OUTLINE
UCSD Course Number: EDUC40102
Unit One
- Developing the NGSS: A Brief History
- A New Conceptual Framework
- The Guiding Principles of the Framework
- Assignment #1: Write an autobiography
- Test #1
Unit Two
- The Shift to the Next Generation Science Standards
- The Anatomy of a Standard
- Important Considerations
- All Standards, All Students
- Assignment #2: Article reflection
- Test #2
Unit Three
- Performance Expectations
- Dimension 1: Scientific and Engineering Practices
- Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts
- Assignment #3: Share your expertise
- Test #3
Unit Four
- Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas — Physical Sciences
- Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas — Life Sciences
- Test #4
Unit Five
- Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas — Earth and Space Sciences
- Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas — Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science
- Test #5
Unit Six
- The Role of Curriculum
- Integrating Technology into Science Instruction
- Universal Design for Learning
- The Future of Science Assessment
- Assignment #4: Create STEM activities
- Assignment #5: Course Reflection
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