We’re hard pressed to come up with a crosscutting concept that is more essential for making sense of phenomena and solving problems than systems and systems models. In fact, it’s where scientists and engineers often start — by defining the system.
The systems and system models crosscutting concept is perfect to dig into once teachers have a bit of a foundation in next generation science. It’s essential, complex, and tricky to use well — an ideal combination of properties for rich, professional learning.
This course explores the systems from multiple lenses. Biological systems, feedback loops, dynamic systems, and system models.
This course can be coupled with MSS Supplemental Student Units at grades, K–5. Or you can use your own adopted curriculum to round our teachers’ exploration of the concept.
My experience impacted so many parts of how I teach, how I setup my classroom, how I interact with my students. Best of all was the supplemental unit that came with it. It was my first step in doing the kind of inspirational science learning I so enjoyed with my little scientists.
2nd grade teacher
New Mexico
- Audience: For K-12 teachers of next generation science
- Time: In-person | 2–3 full days
Wondering how sites like yours have implemented this course?
Systems across New Mexico
- NM professional learning providers (PLPs) attend a Facilitation Academy for the Systems course
- NM PLPs led the Systems course statewide for K–12 teachers
- Participating K–5 teachers were offered the Systems Supplemental Student Unit for their grade level
- All NM teachers were provided access to the NGSI: Classroom Innovations PLC protocol and all three Innovation Packs
- Teacher pre/post learning assessments were administered and reports were created for each course
Systems for K–5 teachers
- District science leader and a lead teacher attended a Facilitation Academy for the Systems at Camp MSS
- District science leader and lead teacher led the Systems course for K–5 teachers
- Participating K–5 Teachers were offered the Systems Supplemental Student Unit for their grade level
- District science leader supported teachers implementing the units with lesson planning and analyzing student work during unit implementation
Ready to bring our Multidimensional Science Education course to your district?
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Companion Resources & Services
NGSI: Systems Course Materials
This comprehensive set of materials supports the professional learning in our NGSI: Systems course.
Facilitation Academy
Prepare staff developers to facilitate a specific MSS Course. Attendees experience the course as learners and delve into the techniques needed to facilitate it for participants.
Surveys & Assessments for Teachers and Leaders
Use our surveys to collect professional learning feedback and determine teacher self-efficacy and confidence. Our assessments gauge student and adult science content knowledge assessment, teacher NGSS knowledge assessment, and teacher pedagogical science knowledge.
Supplemental Student Units
For teachers who want to bring a more complete MSS learning experience to their classrooms, our supplemental student units are designed from the ground up for next generation science classrooms.