NSTA Provides Actionable Steps to Help Educators Teach Science

​The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), an organization comprised of 35,000 science educators, works toward developing best practices in teaching this discipline. In a June 2024 press release, the NSTA published a book establishing guidelines for aligning to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

The book Creating and Using Instructional Supportive Assessments in NGSS Classrooms bases many of its step-by-step instructions on the information outlined in the NGSS. It aims to help students understand the scientific concepts that they study. The main components emphasize knowing, using, and interpreting scientific phenomena in the natural world, evaluating evidence, participating in scientific discussions, and understanding how scientific practice has evolved.

In addition, the book focuses on helping teachers educate students on the core scientific concepts, ideas, and engineering and science practices. It also encourages educators to be creative with their lessons while providing rubrics, assessments, and dimension maps (which help students organize information) to facilitate learning and track student progress.

NSTA Chief of Publications and Digital Products Cathy Lammartino stated that the book helps teachers encourage students to develop a love for the subject. Further, the book aligns with NSTA’s aims in empowering teachers to impart knowledge engagingly.

Toni Brand PHD

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