ABSTRACT
Instructional planning is a much more deliberate process than just identifying activities to use with students. The manner in which we sequence activities, how we have students explore their world, and the phenomenon we hone in on to focus instruction are important to ensure students learn the intended material. The process of incorporating the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) into practice can be achieved by using the design principles illustrated in the model lessons. Students need to interact with materials and objects in the real world in order to have a framework for building science knowledge. Teachers can motivate deep student learning by framing experiences around a real-life scenario or phenomenon. Phenomena provide for many learning activities and offer the chance for students to develop deep conceptual understanding. Most importantly, within a phenomena-based instructional approach, students have immediate opportunities to explore science rather than receiving knowledge directly from the teacher.
