AERO Preconference Workshop
Introduction to the Next Generation Science Standards
Carey Johnson & Chris Charnitski

Introduction to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) were developed by the nonprofit group Achieve and based on the Framework for K-12 Science Education published in 2012 by the National Research Council. With a focus on the practices of science and engineering, the NGSS will fundamentally change the way science is taught, learned and assessed. Developing a solid foundation of understanding of the NGSS will be an essential first step to creating meaningful learning experiences in the classroom.

Through a combination of instruction and engagement in model activities, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the NGSS and the resources available to assist in the implementation of an NGSS based program. On day two of the pre-conference, scope and sequence and bundling considerations as well as unit development will be discussed and options for engagement in curriculum development work will be offered.

While this workshop assumes no prior knowledge of the NGSS, those with experience with the standards and the Framework will also benefit from experiencing new pedagogical approaches and deepening their understanding of the NGSS and the pedagogical shifts put forward in the Framework.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Familiarize themselves with key ideas and features of the Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards.
• Explore the three dimensions of the NGSS: Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts.
• Deconstruct Performance Expectations to understand their three-dimensional foundation.
• Engage in model NGSS activities and discuss what instruction might look like in an NGSS classroom.
• Understand key steps in unit development and engage with the process.
• Consider issues related to a school’s transition to NGSS.

Participants will gain a better understanding of the key ideas and organization of the NGSS, investigate NGSS resources, understand the key aspects of unit development and discuss ideas for transition to NGSS in their schools.

Prerequisites/Advance Preparation

• Eligibility: Enrollment is limited to participants from NESA schools that have already adopted the AERO standards (if you are from a school outside the NESA region that has adopted AERO standards, please contact us if you are interested in attending).
• Please bring a laptop/tablet and headphones or earbuds to this workshop.

Eligibility:

Enrollment is limited to participants from NESA schools that have already adopted the AERO standards.

Cost:

There is no additional registration fee to participate in the AERO NGSS Pre-conference Workshop.

Registration:

• Sign up for this preconference workshop via the Spring Educators Conference registration form.
• If you are not staying on to attend the SEC, and will attend only the AERO preconference workshop, please enter "AERO only" in the Comments box on the SEC registration form.
• Maximum participants: 30.

Please bring your laptop/tablet and headphones or earbuds to this workshop.

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Updates to handouts may be made until shortly before the start of the pre-conference.