What do you want to see in a new framework for K-12 science education?

What do students need to know about space science? The new Framework for K-12 Science Education has some suggestions. Take a look. Scroll to the bottom of the page.

According to the report published today at The National Academies Press, the

Framework for K-12 Science Education outlines a broad set of expectations for students in science and engineering in grades K-12. These expectations will inform the development of new standards for K-12 science education and, subsequently, revisions to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for educators. This book identifies three dimensions that convey the disciplinary core ideas and practices around which science and engineering education in these grades should be built. These three dimensions are: cross-cutting concepts that unify the study of science and engineering through their common application across these fields; scientific and engineering practices; and core ideas in four disciplinary areas: physical sciences, life sciences, earth and space sciences, and engineering, technology, and the applications of science. The overarching goal is for all high school graduates to have sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on science-related issues; be careful consumers of scientific and technological information; and have the skills to enter the careers of their choice.

What you will see are three ideas that form the foundation for the K-12 Science Education Framework.

• Idea 1: Cross-Cutting Concepts.  These will be familiar to you.  They are what science educators call the “processes of science,” such as cause and effect, scale, energy and matter, etc.
• Idea 2: Scientific and Engineering Practices.  Again, these will be familiar to you.  They reflect the kinds of teaching strategies that inquiry oriented teachers use including asking questions, helping students develop and use models, doing science investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, and others.  In short, these can be added to the cross-cutting ideas to form two sets of science processes.
• Idea 3: Core Ideas:  We have a new core idea added to the science curriculum, and that is engineering, technology and the applications of science.  Added to physical science, life science, earth & space science, we have the content framework in four ideas.

You can download and read the book here:

What do you think about the release of the new Framework?  How will this affect your work as a teacher, or researcher?  Please tell us what you think.