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Last Updated:

August 3, 2024 at 5:37:12 PM

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) revolutionize science education with a three-dimensional approach, integrating crucial practices, concepts, and ideas. Among these, Science & Engineering Practice 8 (SEP 8) focuses on "Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information," a cornerstone of scientific inquiry and engineering design. This practice equips students with essential skills for gathering, critically assessing, and effectively sharing scientific information. By emphasizing these competencies, SEP 8 not only enhances scientific literacy but also prepares students for real-world applications in science and engineering fields.

As parents of K-12 students, understanding the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Science & Engineering Practice 8 (SEP 8) is crucial for supporting your child's science education. SEP 8, which focuses on obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information, is a fundamental skill set that will benefit your child not only in their science classes but also in their everyday life. By encouraging your child to seek out reliable information, critically assess what they find, and effectively share their knowledge, you're helping them develop essential skills for success in our information-rich world. 


These abilities will serve them well in future academic pursuits, careers, and as informed citizens. Remember, you don't need to be a science expert to support your child in this area. Engaging in discussions about scientific topics, encouraging curiosity, and praising their efforts to communicate complex ideas clearly can go a long way in reinforcing these valuable skills at home.

In conclusion, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) represent a significant shift in science education, introducing a three-dimensional approach that integrates crucial practices, concepts, and ideas. Science & Engineering Practice 8 (SEP 8), focusing on "Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information," emerges as a cornerstone of this new framework. By emphasizing these essential skills, SEP 8 not only enhances scientific literacy but also prepares students for real-world applications in science and engineering fields. The practice equips learners with the ability to gather information from diverse sources, critically assess its validity, and effectively communicate scientific ideas. 


This comprehensive approach, implemented across all grade levels and integrated with other dimensions of NGSS, fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and practical application of scientific knowledge. Ultimately, SEP 8 plays a crucial role in empowering students to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the scientific community, preparing them for future academic and career pursuits in an increasingly complex and information-rich world.

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

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  • Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information References & Resources

    Books and Publications

    1. A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas - National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2012). https://doi.org/10.17226/13165


    2. Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By States

    - NGSS Lead States. (2013). https://www.nextgenscience.org/


    3. Teaching Science as Inquiry - Joel E. Bass, Donald P. Contant, and Arthur A. Carin. - Provides strategies for teaching scientific inquiry and enhancing communication skills.


    Online Resources

    1. Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) - Comprehensive resource for understanding and implementing NGSS. https://www.nextgenscience.org/


    2. National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) - Offers a wide range of resources, including articles, lesson plans, and webinars on NGSS and SEP 8.

    https://www.nsta.org/


    3. National Academies Press (NAP) - Access to the full text of "A Framework for K-12 Science Education" and other relevant publications.https://www.nap.edu/


    Educational Websites

    1. Science Buddies - Provides project ideas, lesson plans, and tips for communicating scientific information effectively. https://www.sciencebuddies.org/


    2. PBS LearningMedia - Offers educational videos, interactive lessons, and other resources aligned with NGSS. https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/


    3. Khan Academy - Free educational videos and practice exercises on various science topics, including critical evaluation of scientific information. https://www.khanacademy.org/


    Tools and Activities

    1. Exploratorium - A museum of science, art, and human perception with numerous online resources and activities for students and parents. https://www.exploratorium.edu/


    2. Science News for Students - Provides accessible articles on current scientific research and discoveries, useful for practicing evaluation and communication of scientific information. https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/


    3. Smithsonian Science Education Center - Offers resources and tools to support science education, including activities to develop skills in obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. https://ssec.si.edu/


    These references and resources can help parents support their children in mastering the skills involved in obtaining, evaluating, and communicating scientific information.

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