The Oft Misunderstood Crosscutting Concepts
How 3-D science’s powerful second dimension informs instruction over time. Ask teachers which of the Next Generation Science Standards* (NGSS) dimensions they struggle with in integrating three-dimensional science into their teaching, and they will most likely respond, “crosscutting concepts.” Crosscutting concepts (CCCs) are a way of linking different domains of science together (NSTA, n.d.). These […]
Carolina Essentials
Discover free 3-D/NGSS activities for your science classroom. Did you know that we offer a series of free, hands-on, NGSS-based activities called Carolina Essentials™? These activities are designed to make implementing 3-D learning easy–just select the activity you want and download it. Hands-on science is important for every student and across all disciplines. It’s how […]
Dissection Artifacts for Three-Dimensional Instruction
By using models, diagrams, group discussions, peer review, labeling exercises, etc., we can create student portfolios that detail the growth of each student throughout a unit of instruction. Artifact is an exciting and a thought-provoking word. It brings to mind the idea of archaeologists on digs in far-off lands–scientists discovering exotic and rare finds that […]
3-D Science Strategies That Motivate Learning at Every Level
Engaging, Equitable, Relevant “Until kids are motivated and engaged and curious, it’s very difficult to teach them.” That statement from Brett D. Moulding sums up the challenge teachers face as they return to classrooms following a year of uncertain, shifting learning environments. Moulding, a member of the National Research Council (NRC) Committee on a […]
Easy-to-Access Guidance for Your Flex Program
Get program support for Carolina Kits 3D® Flex and Carolina Kits 3D® Flex Digital with our online video library. Learn the ins and outs of Carolina Kits 3D® Flex and Carolina Kits 3D® Flex Digital programs at your pace using our online video library. Each brief how-to video provides guidance on effectively implementing the Flex […]
Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning in the Age of COVID-19
How the CER Process Can Help Achieve 3-D Science Proficiency in Any Learning Environment Download the Whitepaper The facts: The 2020—21 school year began with most students learning from remote locations or socially distanced in the classroom (EdWeek Market Brief 2020). Hands-on investigations and collaboration are emphasized in new science standards, particularly those based on […]
Phenomena Video Gallery
What are phenomena? They’re observable, naturally occurring events that are everywhere. A sunset, your breath on a cold morning, and the fizz of baking soda and vinegar are all phenomena. Scientists build on knowledge to explain or predict phenomena; engineers design solutions to problems that arise from phenomena. And in the classroom? Phenomena are engaging […]
Webinar Series: Integrating Science and Engineering Practices
Webinar Series: Modeling in Science Instruction Data Analysis and Computational Thinking Arguments from Evidence and Communicating Planning Investigations, Asking Questions, Defining Problems Modeling Science Instruction How can teachers use modeling to identify gaps in learning and address learning differences? Join nationally recognized education consultant Kristen Dotti for a 90-minute webinar on how teachers can use […]
What Are Phenomena?
Natural phenomena are a context for the work in which scientists and engineers engage. In nature, phenomena are considered observable events that we can use science to explain or predict. A beautiful red sunset, moss growing on a bare rock, a meteor shower, the fizzing of baking soda and vinegar, a sick child running a […]
Webinar Series: Making Sense of Three-Dimensional Science
Join us for series of webinars that will help you teach and assess new science standards. More than a decade after the release of A Framework for K-12 Science Education, there is still confusion and misunderstanding about three-dimensional learning and assessment that is the foundation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)*. The Smithsonian Science […]