How can you align your STEM curriculum with Next Generation Science Standards?

1 Understand the NGSS framework

The first step to align your STEM curriculum with NGSS is to understand the framework and the structure of the standards. The NGSS framework consists of three dimensions: science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. The practices describe the skills and methods that scientists and engineers use to investigate and design solutions. The crosscutting concepts are the common themes and patterns that connect different domains of science and engineering. The disciplinary core ideas are the key concepts and principles that organize the knowledge of each discipline. The NGSS standards are expressed as performance expectations, which combine the three dimensions to describe what students should be able to do at the end of each grade level or band.

2 Review your current curriculum

The next step to align your STEM curriculum with NGSS is to review your current curriculum and identify the strengths and gaps. You can use the NGSS website, the NGSS app, or the NGSS alignment tool to compare your curriculum with the standards and see how well they match. You can also use the evidence statements, which provide more details and examples of how students can demonstrate their understanding of the performance expectations. You should look for opportunities to integrate the three dimensions, to connect STEM disciplines, and to engage students in authentic and meaningful tasks.

3 Adapt or adopt new curriculum

The third step to align your STEM curriculum with NGSS is to adapt or adopt new curriculum that meets the standards. You can either modify your existing curriculum to address the gaps and enhance the strengths, or you can adopt new curriculum that is designed or aligned with NGSS. You should consider the quality, the coherence, the relevance, and the feasibility of the curriculum, as well as the needs and interests of your students. You should also look for curriculum that supports differentiation, assessment, and professional development.

4 Implement and evaluate your curriculum

The final step to align your STEM curriculum with NGSS is to implement and evaluate your curriculum in your classroom. You should plan and prepare your lessons, your materials, your resources, and your assessments according to the standards. You should also use instructional strategies that promote inquiry, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. You should monitor and assess your students' progress and provide feedback and support. You should also reflect on your own practice and seek feedback and support from your colleagues, your administrators, or your professional learning communities.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?