What a story they tell!

What a complete article about the Next Generation Science Standards and Earth and Space Science. It discusses the motivation, the need for everyone to have a solid understanding of Earth Spa... See More

What a complete article about the Next Generation Science Standards and Earth and Space Science. It discusses the motivation, the need for everyone to have a solid understanding of Earth Space Science. The article addresses three big ideas: space and the solar system, the interconnections among the many systems of the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere and biosphere, and then human interactions with the Earth. Earth Space Science connects across and between the other science disciplines. The cross-cutting concepts achieve that integration. The article discusses implications for all levels of K-12 education. Storylines will help all readers make sense of these standards. Those same storylines will help teachers move toward NGSS and teaching Earth and Space Science The elementary grades contain three Earth and space science standard topics which appear more than once in K-5. Space systems show up in grades 1 and 5, Earth’s Surface Systems are in grades 2,4, and 5 while Weather and Climate are in grades K and 3. Check out this article!

Earth and Space Science Storylines

This must read article by Michael E. Wysession, Science Design Team Leader for the NRC Framework and Leadership Team for the writing of NGSS /Earth and space science,appears in all NSTA Ap... See More

This must read article by Michael E. Wysession, Science Design Team Leader for the NRC Framework and Leadership Team for the writing of NGSS /Earth and space science,appears in all NSTA April 2013 journal issues . In reviewing for the elementary level I came away with the emphasis on 'story lines'. "The disciplinary core ideas for each module are interpreted so as to produce coherent storylines that provide sufficient depth into the content. It is important that a well-connected progression of storylines continue through elementary and into middle school." For example: In grade one for Space Systems a focus on observable patterns and cycles gives foundation for students to understand aspects of nature and the passage of time and seasons. Tools such as telescopes used in space exploration show the role of engineering in developing this 'storyline' . The challenges teachers will face incorporating NGSS is discussed. This is a must read !