The PD program you are embarking on in Brentwood Union Free School district is an innovative approach to bridging the gap between the Stony Brook University and Brentwood Union Free School District. Scientists and Teachers Engaging in Professional Development with University Personnel (STEPDUP) is an innovative novel method at un veiling NGSS lesson content.
The cohort will work in conjunction with Stony Brook University personnel to engage in hands-on learning about Long Island’s salt marshes and marine ecosystems, essentially dovetailing Engineering Design standards with Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems. Professors from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Ecology and Evolution will facilitate three 15-hour course modules throughout the 2018-2019 school year. Each of these modules will incorporate P-12 Science Learning Standards and NGSS where teachers will be involved in applying problem solving strategies, using manipulatives in hands-on laboratory work, writing lesson plans, engineering ethics, and learning techniques to provide in-service training to others. By engaging you in scientific questions and investigations of global and local relevance with experts, STEPD-UP creates novel student-centered activities that educators can use to further students’ 21st century skills.
“Do you long to create life long learners, than you are in the right place!.”
Next Generation Science Standards
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are K–12 science content standards. Standards set the expectations for what students should know and be able to do. The NGSS were developed by states to improve science education for all students.
A goal for developing the NGSS was to create a set of research-based, up-to-date K–12 science standards. These standards give local educators the flexibility to design classroom learning experiences that stimulate students’ interests in science and prepares them for college, careers, and citizenship.