Teaching STEM and NGSS at the Primary Level
(Grades K-2) / Flex Course
PDI Course Number: 2T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC40112
Course Description
Have you been wondering how to incorporate the Next Generation Science Standards into your STEM classroom? Do you want to learn how to create a more hands-on science structure in your classroom? This online course for teachers takes K-2 educators through a step-by-step explanation of the standards and includes examples and suggestions of how to incorporate them into your science classroom. The course also guides you through how to interpret the science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas at the K-2 level. Then, teachers are taken through each dimension with details provided for how to translate the standards into daily instruction. The 5Es of inquiry-based science are discussed, as well as how Universal Design for Learning, multiple intelligences, and STEM strategies all work together to connect the design and implementation of science lessons, labs, and stations. Specific strategies for connecting math and science are also shared. Additionally, 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 manage an inquiry-based classroom. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will have a solid understanding of the NGSS Standards and how to create engaging lessons to put them into practice and action 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.
"I thought the content and resources were excellent. The course was developed with practicing teachers in mind." - Sylvan Taylor
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: EDUC40112
Unit One
- The Birth of the NGSS
- Overview of the Three Dimensions
- The Journey from Framework to Standards
- Assignment #1: Write an autobiography
- Test #1
Unit Two
- Engaging Students in the Process of Science
- The Five E's of Inquiry
- Universal Design for Learning
- The Reach of STEM
- Assignment #2: Article reflection
- Test #2
Unit Three
- Translating Standards to Curriculum and Instruction
- 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
- XXX
- Test #5
Unit Six
- Connecting Science and Math
- Science Stations
- Managing an Inquiry-Based Classroom
- Assessing the Science Classroom
- Assignment #4: Create STEM activities
- Assignment #5: Course Reflection
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