While it is reportedly unlikely that Massachusetts will adopt NGSS, choosing instead to adapt them, there are some key parts that will likely end up in the next version of the Mass. frameworks. Key among them are the use of the NGSS Practices of the Scientist as a means for teaching science in the classroom. Our school’s Science Department has been engaged in meaningful discussions about how to teach science while embedding these practices:
1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
2. Developing and using models
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Going forward, my goal is to evaluate every lesson plan to see how well I am using these practices as a way to teach my students how to do science the way scientists do science.