Science Overview
A one page document providing information about Science and how Staff and Curriculum Development can provide support.

New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS)
Look here for the standards:  NYSSLS -- UPDATED February 2019.
Need help reading them? Check out the NYSED Quick Guide


A Framework for K-12 Science Education
Want to better understand the standards? The NYSSLS are based, in large part, on A Framework for K-12 Science Education. The links below offer a copy of that document as a whole and of key document sections for easier access. 

• A Framework for K-12 Science Education

• Framework Snapshot -- Science and Engineering Practices

• Framework Snapshot -- Crosscutting Concepts

• Framework Snapshot -- DCI: Physical Sciences

• Framework Snapshot -- DCI: Life Sciences

• Framework Snapshot -- DCI: Earth and Space Sciences

• Framework Snapshot -- DCI: Engineering, Technology, and the Application of Science 

High School Course Development 
Follow this structure to connect the High School Standards to the appropriate courses (Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics), per NYSED guidance. 


Resources from NYSED
ELEMENTARY:
- Performance Level Descriptions (3-5)
 

INTERMEDIATE:
- Performance Level Descriptions (6-8)
 

HIGH SCHOOL: 
Earth and Space Sciences
- Performance Level Descriptions (Earth & Space Sciences)
- Earth and Space Sciences Sample Clusters (Spring 2024)
- Earth and Space Sciences Sample Cluster Rating Guide (Spring 2024)
- Earth and Space Sciences Sample Clusters (Fall 2024)
- Earth and Space Sciences Sample Cluster Rating Guide (Fall 2024)

Life Science: Biology
- Performance Level Descriptions (Life Science: Biology)
- Life Science: Biology Sample Clusters (Spring 2024)
- Life Science: Biology Rating Guide (Spring 2024)

Physical Science: Chemistry
- Performance Level Descriptions (Physical Science: Chemistry)
- Physical Science: Chemistry Sample Clusters (Spring 2024)
- Physical Science: Chemistry Rating Guide (Spring 2024)

Physical Science: Physics
- Performance Level Descriptions (Physical Science: Physics)
- Physical Science: Physics Sample Clusters (Spring 2024)
- Physical Science: Physics Rating Guide (Spring 2024) 


Other Resources, Ideas, and Phenomena 

Looking for ideas? Check out these offerings!

New Visions Curricula: Based on NYS Science Learning Standards; free
- Life Science: Biology
- Earth & Space Sciences
- Chemistry
- Physics

OpenSciEd Curricula: NGSS-based; requires free sign-up.
- High School Curricula (Biology, Chemistry, Physics -- ESS is built into these courses)
- Middle School Curricula
- Elementary School Curricula 

The Wonder of Science: Paul Andersen's fantastic work!
- Mini Lessons for Crosscutting Concepts and Science and Engineering Practices
- Phenomena by Grade Level/Band
- Other Resources including Graphics & Tools, Assessments, Unit Planning, Implementation, and more!


Next Generation Science Standards Resources:
NGSS Phenomena -- Images, GIFs, and video clips of phenomena that can be used to initiate inquiry.
NGSS Storylines -- "Storylines" that address multiple Performance Expectations; from Brian Riser and colleagues.
NGSS Workshops -- Developed by Joe Krajcik, Lappan-Phillips Professor of Science Education at Michigan State University.


Other Resources:
#Going3D -- Lessons, ideas, and guidance from Brett Moulding, Nicole Paulson and colleagues.
Better Lesson -- Lessons from teachers. As with anytime that you look at another's work, be certain that you evaluate the material to see how well it meets your needs.
Library Resources -- Specifically designed for access by educators in Rome City School District. 


The Big Ideas

This is an opportunity to dig into the most significant shift in the NYS Standards: the Practices. Practices have been identified for Reading and Writing, as well as for Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. How do they tie to our planning, our instruction, and the children's learning?

Step One:  Download this document and take a look at the Common Practices

Step Two:  Use The Big Ideas document to begin to identify commonalities and to brainstorm next steps


Storyline-Based Instruction

Hamilton High School teacher, NYS Master Teacher Emeritus, and Empire State Excellence in Teaching Awardee, Astrid Helfant has started posting Storyline-based science lessons on YouTube! This model of instruction is a fantastic way to bring the NYS Science Learning Standards to life. Although her focus is on Chemistry instruction, any teacher looking for a guide to using Storylines in their instruction would benefit from watching these videos. Check them out here!