Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards, & Scientific Argumentation

Development of New Science Standards: Step 1: Development of Framework for K-12 Science Education National Academy of Sciences National Research Council Released Final Framework (July 2011) (Committee of 18 members) Practicing Scientists Science Education Researchers Science Education Standards and Policy Experts

Development of New Science Standards: Step 2: Development of Next Generation Science Standards Managed by Achieve (Education reform Non-Profit Organization) 26 States (including NY) will lead development of the new standards from the Framework. 3) Final Standards are expected to be released by the end of 2012.

Science Framework has 3 Dimensions: Dimension 1: Scientific Practices Asking questions and defining problems Developing and using models Planning and carrying out investigations Analyzing and interpreting data Using mathematics and computational thinking Constructing explanations and designing solutions Engaging in argument from evidence Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Science Framework has 3 Dimensions: Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts Have applications across all domains of science: Patterns Cause and Effect Scale, Proportion, and Quantity Systems and System Models Energy and Matter Structure and Function Stability and Change

Science Framework has 3 Dimensions: Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas (Content) Domain: Physical Science Matter And Its Interactions Motion And Stability: Forces and Interactions Energy Waves And Their Applications in Technology For Information Transfer Core Ideas

Science Framework has 3 Dimensions: Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas (Content) Domain: Life Sciences From Molecules To Organisms: Structures And Processes Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, And Dynamics Heredity: Inheritance And Variations Of Traits Biological Evolution: Unity And Diversity Core Ideas

Science Framework has 3 Dimensions: Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas (Content) Domain: Earth And Space Sciences Earth’s Place In The Universe Earth’s Systems Earth And Human Activity Core Ideas

Science Framework has 3 Dimensions: Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas (Content) Domain: Engineering, Technology, And Applications of Science Engineering Design Links Among Engineering, Technology, Science, And Society Core Ideas

Focus On Dimension 1 (Practices): Engaging In Argument From Evidence Obtaining, Evaluating, And Communicating Information These Scientific Practices are not only emphasized in the Science Framework, but are also emphasized in the Common Core State Standards.

Common Core State Standards: ELA College And Career Readiness Anchor Standards For Reading: Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text. College And Career Readiness Anchor Standards For Writing: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. College And Career Readiness Anchor Standards For Speaking And Listening: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

How Can We Integrate These Ideas Into Our Classrooms?

Data vs. Evidence: Data Evidence The size of each seed The mass of the seed The type of seed. The type of paper towel. The number of seeds that germinated. Data Evidence Data are the information and measurements from an investigation. Evidence is a particular subset of data an investigator uses to support or refute a claim.

Claims and Evidence: Reasoning Claims Evidence A claim is an assertion or conclusion that attempts to answer the original question. The claim needs to be supported by evidence. **A statement without evidence is only an opinion! The claim can then be defended via oral presentations or written arguments.

Concluding Remarks: Not only is it important for teachers to provide students opportunities to conduct scientific investigations, but teachers must also provide students opportunities to defend/argue their conclusions/claims by utilizing evidence from the experiment. Educators should modify their existing inquiry labs into a format that allows students to develop precise claims supported by evidence and defend their claims in oral or written arguments to their peers.