The Vision Behind the NGSS
The vision behind the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to use the science they learn in school to make sense of the natural world outside the classroom. NGSS-aligned lessons are driven by natural phenomena, observable events that can be explained using science. Students learn how to use Crosscutting Concepts to guide their thinking about these phenomena. They engage in Science Practices and use Core Ideas to investigate how and why these natural phenomena occur and support their explanations with arguments. In addition, the NGSS includes Engineering Practices so that students learn to define engineering problems and develop, test, and optimize solutions for them.
Our COVID-19 Response
We have decided to offer our professional development ONLINE during the 2020-2021 school year:
- Based on teacher feedback from our NGSS Summer Institute LIVE Online we have found that we can offer high quality professional development online that meets our rigorous standards. Read more about what teachers have said about our online workshops.
- Online workshops model what remote (and in-school) science learning may look like and how electronic tools can be used to support students’ science learning whether they are working remotely or in class.
- As much as we would like to deliver our workshops in-person, given the contagion of COVID-19, and the modifications that are needed to keep participants safe such as distancing, face masks, etc., we believe that online workshops are the safest option for everyone involved.
Our online workshops continue to follow recommendations of the latest National Academies Reports on “Teaching K-12 Science and Engineering During a Crisis” and "Science and Engineering for Grades 6-12: Investigation and Design at the Center". In addition, we continue to incorporate what we are learning about NGSS implementation both remotely and in school through our work with thousands of teachers in New Jersey and across the nation.
We recommend sending leadership teams of 3-5 teachers to at least three one-day workshops to develop a solid foundation for the NGSS. Dates, online registration, logistics, and detailed information about these professional development offerings are provided below.
NGSS K-12 Workshop Series LIVE ONLINE in October – December 2020
A series of online K-12 workshops for teachers and supervisors on how to support students as they investigate phenomena at home or in school. Each workshop consists of two 2-hour sessions that include interactive presentations, virtual breakout room discussions, practice, and planning; investigations are done off-line at home. All sessions are in the afternoon during school hours (1-3 PM) or after school (4-6 pm).
For more details about the schedule, fees, and PD hours click here
To register click here
Workshops Cancellation policy: If you are unable to attend a workshop for which you are registered, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible – but within five (5) business days. Cancellations received within less than five (5) business days from the date of the workshop will not be eligible for a credit or refund and will be billed. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.