Developing Phenomena-Based Storylines for Middle School Next Generation Science Standard Units

Abstract

With the publication and subsequent work of teachers toward implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards, the need for newer and more engaging methods to teach science must be developed. One of the greatest challenges to this shift is the current lack of curricular materials that reflect these changes, especially at the middle school level. This new three-dimensional learning approach requires the creation of new curriculum materials to allow these changes to take effect in the classroom. One such method that has been instituted to meet the demands of these new challenges is the development and use of the Next Generation Storylines. At present, curriculum kits are costly for many districts. Thus, many teachers have begun to look elsewhere for resources. The goal of this thesis was to provide middle school science teachers with eight phenomena storylines and several sample performance assessments that are engaging and aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards.