This web seminar took place on September 25, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The presenters were Christina Schwarz of Michigan State University and Cynthia Passmore of the University of California, Davis. This program was the second in a series of eight web seminars focused on the major practices contained in A Framework for K-12 Science Education, the document that will inform the Next Generation Science Standards, due out in spring 2013.

In this web seminar, Ms. Schwarz and Ms. Passmore talked about the second scientific and engineering practice contained in A Framework for K-12 Science Education: developing and using models. First, Ms. Schwarz defined scientific models and the process of scientific modeling. Next, Ms. Passmore explained how modeling works with the other practices. Ms. Schwarz provided an in-depth example of modeling in action in a 5th grade classroom, and Ms. Passmore shared a vignette showcasing how modeling works at the high school level. Ted Willard, director of NSTA’s efforts surrounding the Next Generation Science Standards, shared resources that can help teachers prepare for the implementation of the standards.

Seminar participants received one of the NSTA SciGuides. A certificate of attendance was deposited into participants' My PD Record and Certificates area in the NSTA Learning Center for completing the evaluation form at the end of the program.