The resources on this page were primarily developed and refined by the Building Capacity for State Science Education (BCSSE) project of the Council of State Science Supervisors to help states, districts, and schools realize the vision for science education that is laid out in the National Research Council’s Framework for K-12 Science Education and engage in the development of the Next Generation Science Standards. A few of the resources are links to outside resources that have been vetted by the BCSSE Tools workgroup.
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Briefings
Fact sheets and one pagers about the K-12 Framework for Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards.Framework Factsheet
A single page document that gives a broad overview of the purpose and structure of the K-12 Framework. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, General / No Specific Audience, Briefings, Awareness Presentations, 2012)NGSS Factsheet
A single page document that gives a broad overview of the NGSS, including the current timeline for publication. (Next Generation Science Standards, General / No Specific Audience, Briefings, Awareness Presentations, 2012)Progressing from a K-12 Framework to Next Generation Science Standards
A single page brief that can be used to provide background information about the relationship of the Framework to NGSS as well as some ideas about how this vision of science education differs from what has been done in the past. (NGSS, Framework, Brief, CSSS, 2012, Non-specific Audience, Awareness) (Framework for K-12 Science Education, Next Generation Science Standards, General / No Specific Audience, Briefings, Awareness Presentations, 2012)Summary of major External Resource Pages
A list of tools/resources designed to support reviewers before they provide feedback to the NGSS. (Next Generation Science Standards, General / No Specific Audience, Briefings, Achieve, 2012)Why the Framework and Next Generation Science Standards are Needed: A Logical Argument
A summary of the reasons why both the NRC framework and the NGSS are needed to improve science education. (Next Generation Science Standards, Briefings)Tools for increasing awareness about different aspects of the K-12 Framework for Science EducationEngineering in the Framework
This is a one-hour presentation that focuses on Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts and Disciplinary Core Ideas for engineering. The session is intended to provide awareness of the engineering component as presented in the Framework. (General / No Specific Audience, Awareness Presentations, 2012, Crosscutting Concepts, Scientific and Engineering Practices)Framework Factsheet
A single page document that gives a broad overview of the purpose and structure of the K-12 Framework. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, General / No Specific Audience, Briefings, Awareness Presentations, 2012)Framework Overview - 20 Minute
A short (20 minute) presentation that gives an overview of the purpose and structure of the Framework. 19 slides. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, General / No Specific Audience, Awareness Presentations, 2012)Framework Overview - 60-90 Minute
A slightly longer (60-90 minute) presentation that gives an overview of the purpose and structure of the Framework. 40 slides. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, General / No Specific Audience, Awareness Presentations, 2012)NGSS Factsheet
A single page document that gives a broad overview of the NGSS, including the current timeline for publication. (Next Generation Science Standards, General / No Specific Audience, Briefings, Awareness Presentations, 2012)Progressing from a K-12 Framework to Next Generation Science Standards
A single page brief that can be used to provide background information about the relationship of the Framework to NGSS as well as some ideas about how this vision of science education differs from what has been done in the past. (NGSS, Framework, Brief, CSSS, 2012, Non-specific Audience, Awareness) (Framework for K-12 Science Education, Next Generation Science Standards, General / No Specific Audience, Briefings, Awareness Presentations, 2012)Science and Engineering Practices in the Framework
This is a one-hour presentation that focuses on science practices. The intent is to support the ideas of explanations, models, and argument as feature parts of science instruction. The ideas were developed to be consistent with the Framework. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, General / No Specific Audience, Awareness Presentations, 2012, Scientific and Engineering Practices)Tools for digging deeper into the K-12 Framework for Science Education over longer periods of time2 Day Workshop - Practices and Crosscutting Concepts
Two-day workshop to develop understanding of the practices and crosscutting concepts. (Professional Development, Crosscutting Concepts)Links to resources outside CSSS (i.e. Achieve, NSTA, NRC, etc.) with important information regarding the Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards. Links include web pages, articles, and recorded webinars.A Deep Dive Into A Framework for K-12 Science Education
NRC presenters Philip Bell and Heidi Schweingruber explore the Framework’s vision and three dimensions in detail, explaining the evidence upon which the Framework is built. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, External Resources, National Research Council)A Framework for K-12 Science Education
This NSTA Web Seminar took place on July 26, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST. The presenters were Dr. Helen Quinn, Dr. Tom Keller, and Brett Moulding from the National Academy of Sciences. The National Academy’s team gave an overview of the new Framework, along with background information on the design and potential implications for science standards moving forward. NSTA Executive Director Dr. Francis Eberle provided information about NSTA’s work with the Framework. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, External Resources, National Science Teachers Association, 2011-07-26)Core Ideas of Engineering and Technology
NSTA article from December 2011, provides a summary of the practices section of A Framework for Science Education. It describes the practices, provides background for including “practices” in the Framework, gives a rationale for engineering, and gives an overview of how they could be taught. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, External Resources, National Science Teachers Association, 2011-12, Scientific and Engineering Practices)Developing the next generation science standards: A conversation with Achieve
Work is progressing to develop the Next Generation Science Standards. This 9/27/2011 webinar provides an overview on the development of these standards, how science educators can be involved, and implications for science teaching and learning. Presented by Stephen Pruitt, Vice President for Content, Research & Development at Achieve. (Next Generation Science Standards, External Resources, Achieve, National Research Council, Other, 2011-09-27)Engaging Students in Scientific Practices: What does constructing and revising models look like in the science classroom?
NSTA article from March 2012 describes a classroom example of building mental models in learning concepts. (External Resources, National Science Teachers Association, 2012-03)Exploring the New National Research Council's Framework for K-12 Science Education
The Center on Instruction held a webinar September 21, 2011 entitled, “Exploring the New National Research Council's Framework for K-12 Science Education," presented by COI-Science Director Craig Strang, along with Vanessa Lujan and Lynn Barakos of the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California at Berkeley. The webinar highlights significant approaches that have implications for the implementation of science, such as a strong alignment with the Common Core Language Arts Standards focused on disciplinary literacy, the expansion of a broader set of science and engineering practices than described in previous standards and frameworks, and an emphasis on a developmental approach that leads to deeper understanding of a few big ideas in science. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, External Resources, 2011-09-21)FAQ - Next Generation Science Standards
This webpage from Achieve answers questions about the background, research, development process and next steps for the Next Generation Science Standards. (Next Generation Science Standards, External Resources, Achieve)FAQ: Framework for K-12 Science Education
This website of the National Research Council provides information about many aspects of the Framework, including background, development, content, and implementation. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, External Resources, National Research Council)Implementing the K-12 Science Framework
Anita Bernhardt, Science and Technology Specialist from the Maine Department of Education, and Tom Keller, National Academies, provide an overview of the Framework with connections to Maine Science Education (10/20/2011). (Framework for K-12 Science Education, External Resources, State Education Agency, 2011-10-20)Language Demands & Opportunities in Relation to Next Generation Science Standards for ELLs: What Teachers Need to Know
This paper from Stanford University School of Education highlights challenges and opportunities as English Language Learners engage with the Next Generation Science Standards. The authors discuss in detail how four core science and engineering practices provide opportunities for ELLs: 1. Developing and using models. 2. Developing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering). 3. Engaging in argument from evidence. 4. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. (Next Generation Science Standards, External Resources, Disciplinary Core Ideas, Scientific and Engineering Practices)Making the Transition to Scientific and Engineering Practices: Visiting the Potential of the Next Generation Science Standards
This NSTA Web Seminar took place on October 25, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST. Presenting was Dr. Francis Eberle, NSTA Executive Director, Dr. Brian Reiser, Professor of Learning Sciences in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University, and former NSTA President Harold Pratt. In this seminar, the presenters talked about the changes outlined in the new Science Framework and how the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) will incorporate these changes in ways that will influence classroom practice with a focus on the Science and Engineering Practices. Source: NSTA (Next Generation Science Standards, External Resources, National Science Teachers Association, 2011-10-25)MSPnet Academy Discussion: The NRC Framework for K-12 Science Education
Heidi Schweingruber and Philip Bell present and discuss (on 9/15/2011) a recently released National Research Council (NRC) report "A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas." This new Framework for K-12 science education calls for a shift in the way science is taught and learned in the United States. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, External Resources, National Research Council, Other, 2011-09-15, Crosscutting Concepts, Disciplinary Core Ideas, Scientific and Engineering Practices)Next Generation Science Standards
This is the official site for the development and dissemination of the NGSS by Achieve, the organization coordinating the writing. Public drafts and the final standards will be posted here. The site also contains supporting documents related to the NGSS writing process. (Next Generation Science Standards, External Resources, Achieve)Next Generation Science Standards for Today's Students and Tomorrow's Workforce
This 3/14/2012 blog post by Steven Pruitt of Achieve describes the relationship between Career and Technical Education and the Next Generation Science Standards. It describes the implications for CTE and the involvement that CTE is providing in the development of the NGSS. (Next Generation Science Standards, External Resources, 2012-03-14)Next Generation Science Standards Public Draft
Video (slides are not visible) of Stephen Pruitt of Achieve, Inc., discussing the Next Generation Science Standards at NSTA's National Conference on Science Education in Indianapolis, Indiana, March 2012. (Next Generation Science Standards, External Resources, Achieve, National Science Teachers Association, 2012-03)NGSS Development in Kansas
Matt Krehbiel, Kansas Science Program Consultant, presenting on Kansas' role as a lead state in the development of NGSS in a recorded webinar 12/20/2011. (Next Generation Science Standards, External Resources, State Education Agency, 2011-12-20)NRC Conceptual Framework for New Science Education Standards
Dr. Michael Wysession, Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Washington University, served as the Leader of the Earth and Space Design team advising the NRC on the Framework document. He is now representing the Earth and Space Sciences in the writing of the Next Generation Science Standards at Achieve, Inc. In his 7/25/2011 webinar presentation, Dr. Wysession discussed the process so far and what lies in store for standards development with an overview of the earth science in the Framework. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, Next Generation Science Standards, External Resources, Achieve, National Research Council, 2011-07-25)NSTA Guide for Leading a Study Group on Next Generation Science Standards, First Public Draft
This document provides resources for study groups of colleagues to have focused discussions about the NGSS. It provides agendas for 3 to 6 hour meetings and suggestions for facilitating such meetings. Source: NSTA (Next Generation Science Standards, External Resources)Report Brief: A Framework for K-12 Science Standards
This six page document provides background of the development of the Framework and an overview of the three dimensions: Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, External Resources, National Research Council, Crosscutting Concepts, Disciplinary Core Ideas, Scientific and Engineering Practices)The NRC Framework for K-12 Science Education
On 4/17/2012 Heidi Schweingruber and Tom Keller presented an NRC webinar overview of the Framework for K-12 Science Education. Learn about the Framework, how it was developed, and how it will impact the way science is taught in K-12 classrooms. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, External Resources, National Research Council, 2012-04-17)The NSTA Reader's Guide to the Framework
This 35 page booklet unpacks the three key dimensions of the Framework—Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas in each specific discipline—allowing readers to more easily grasp how the NGSS will differ from the current standards. It provides a synopsis of the key ideas, a comparison to NSES, and suggestions for studying the Framework. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, Next Generation Science Standards, External Resources, National Science Teachers Association, Crosscutting Concepts, Disciplinary Core Ideas, Scientific and Engineering Practices)Using Complex Text in Science
Here you will find resources for the April 11, 2012 webinar delivered by the Vermont Department of Education entitled "Using Complex Text in Science." This webinar examines a process for incorporating complex text into science content instruction. Cavendish middle-level teacher, Robin Bebo-Long, and Gail Hall, middle and high school science assessment coordinator at the Department of Education, have collaborated with Marty Gephart, to demonstrate a tool that can deepen student understanding of content, when used as an integrated part of a science unit. Student writing is shown to demonstrate conceptual understandings that can occur. (External Resources, State Education Agency, 2012-04-11)Webinar: A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Building Understanding Among New and Current Teachers
In this February 2012 NRC webinar, Heidi Schweingruber (National Research Council), Brian Reiser (Northwestern University), and Deborah Smith (The Pennsylvania State University) explore the Framework and dimensions of A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas -- especially the scientific and engineering practices -- and discuss how they can be integrated into the education of new teachers and professional development for current teachers. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, External Resources, National Research Council, 2012-04, Crosscutting Concepts, Disciplinary Core Ideas, Scientific and Engineering Practices)
BCSSE Conference Presentations
Download presentations that were delivered at BCSSE meetings.
BCSSE Nashville Final Agenda
This is the final agenda from the September 30 and October 1, 2011, BCSSE meeting. (BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Nashville, 2011-09-30)BCSSE Raleigh Closing
Closing powerpoint from BCSSE Raleigh (BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Raleigh)BCSSE Raleigh Final Agenda
This is the final agenda from the February 24-25, 2012, BCSSE meeting. (BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Raleigh, 2012-02-24)BCSSE Raleigh Welcome
Opening powerpoint from BCSSE Raleigh (BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Raleigh)Building Capacity Among State Science Education Leaders Understanding and Using the NRC Framework
Brett Moulding outlines the goals and objectives of the BCSSE project of CSSS and provides a basic intro to the K-12 Framework for Science Education. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Nashville, 2011-09-30)Building Fluency with Science & Engineering Practices
Jonathan Osborne, Stanford University, School of Education, introduces the science and engineering practices from the K-12 Framework for Science Education. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Raleigh)Crosscutting Concepts (C3) - Melding Mechanisms, Models, & Minds
Richard A. Duschl, Pennsylvania State University, presents on the origins of the science and engineering practices and the crosscutting concepts; September 30, 2011. (BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Nashville, 2011-09-30, Crosscutting Concepts, Scientific and Engineering Practices)NGSS and the Framework Overview
Overview of the NGSS development process that was delivered by Heidi Schweingruber and Stephen Pruitt on February 24, 2012 (Next Generation Science Standards, BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Raleigh, 2012-02-24)Organization of Meeting and Expectations for State Teams
Brett Moulding lays out the outline for BCSSE Raleigh meeting and plans for the future. (BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Raleigh)Research-Practice Partnerships as a Strategy for Supporting Implementation of the NRC Framework and Next Generation Science Standards
Bill Penuel, University of Colorado-Boulder, presents on planning for implementation of NGSS and using Research-Practice Partnerships to support the process. (Next Generation Science Standards, BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Raleigh)Science and Engineering Practices & The Inclusion of Engineering in the Framework
Phillip Bell, University of Washington, presents on the science and engineering practices with a focus on how engineering was included in the K-12 Framework for Science Education. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Nashville, 2011-09-30)The Next Generation of Science Standards: Preliminary Reflections on Assessments
Rodger Bybee reflects on the potential implications NGSS may have on future science assessments. (Next Generation Science Standards, BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Raleigh)The NRC Framework for K-12 Science Education: Implications for Teacher Knowledge and Science Teaching
Brian Reiser, Northwestern University, outlines the implications of the K-12 Framework for Science Education and the NGSS for preservice and inservice professional learning for teachers. (Framework for K-12 Science Education, Next Generation Science Standards, BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Raleigh)What We Need in Curriculum Materials for the NRC Framework and NGSS
Brian Reiser, Northwestern University, outlines what will be needed from curriculum materials in the future to support effective implementation. (BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Raleigh)What's Common Across ELA, Math, and Science? The Challenge of "Making Thinking Visible" in the Service of Evidence-Based Argument
Sarah Michaels, Clark University, and Cathy O’Connor, Boston University, presentation on the cross-over between NGSS and the Common Core, specifically focusing on argumentation and ways to make thinking more visible. (Next Generation Science Standards, BCSSE Conference Presentations, BCSSE-Raleigh)
