Week 1

 WEEK 1: 

    We started our first discussion session this week by getting to know our professor, our peers, and then creating our dream classroom. Some of the items on my partner Avery and I’s wishlist included: natural lighting, community table spaces, and alternatives to replace fluorescent lighting among many other things. 

1.     In discussion we were introduced to The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which focuses on inquiry and explaining phenomena rather than memorizing facts and vocabulary. NGSS is three-dimensional, the three dimensions include: Science Engineering Practices (SEP), Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI), and Cross-cutting Concepts (CCC). SEP = How they will learn. DCI = the phenomena or what they will learn. CCC = application to other science concepts. 

 3.)     When reading the NGSS statements during discussion, I didn’t find it too difficult to identify the          DCI and the SEP. However, I struggled a little more when identifying the CCC. Otherwise I feel fairly comfortable with what we have dove into so far with NGSS. 

5.)     I am interested in learning more about NGSS and seeing how to apply these standards when creating my own lesson plans in the future. I am also curious to see how assessments from these standards vary from those for the Common Core standards in which we are probably more familiar with.