K-12 Science Framework Practices

Recently I had the opportunity to work with a group of teachers who are part of the MPRES Grant in Montana to empower Capacity Builders/Trainers to assist with the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards that are due to be released in later March 2013.  The purpose of the workshop was to introduce the Science and Engineering Practices from the K-12 Science Framework.  As we move forward with work in this area, a few thoughts strike me.  One is the interwoven connection between the three Dimensions as outlined the Framework:  Practices, Crosscutting Concepts and Content (core ideas).  No longer should teachers of science teach any of the dimensions in isolation, but instead, every lesson must be designed with all three dimensions in mind.  Secondly, teachers of science will need to broaden their conceptual understanding of both science content related to the material they teach, as well as consider the engineering and technology applications.  As students are immersed in the principles of the Framework, they will become more critical thinkers and more demanding consumers of the knowledge with which they are presented.  I’m convinced that the Framework and the Next Generation Science Standards will revolutionize science education in the US.  I hope that ALL teachers of science will embrace the challenge of a personal paradigm shift and see the wisdom in making these changes for the benefit of their students.  Here is a link to an overview podcast of the workshop session.