Engineering in Science: Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts

How To Use This Resource

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is a hot topic in education lately. With the publishing of the Next Generation Science Standards, engineering has been brought to the forefront in science education with the adoption of Dimension 1, Practices of Science and Engineering. Topics, resource links and discussion of curricular strands related to engineering are emphasized in this blog. You may access these elements from the blog archive on the right. The Science Framework and Next Generation Science Standards are key to this process. I have embedded them in this blog and you may also follow links in the right side bar to find the original documents they refer to.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts

Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts

Crosscutting concepts have application across all domains of science. As such, they are a way of linking the different domains of science.

They include:
Patterns
Similarity and Diversity
Cause and effect
Scale, proportion and quantity
Systems and system models
Energy and matter
Structure and function
Stability and change

The Framework emphasizes that these concepts need to be made explicit for students because they provide an organizational schema for interrelating knowledge from various science fields into a coherent and scientifically-based view of the world.

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Curricular Strand

The Curricular Strand was chosen for the purpose of fulfilling a need in the science department to fulfill a gap looking at the Science Framework and connections to the technical school within our academic courses.

In "A Framework for K-12 Science Education" and the "Next Generation Science Standards" Dimension 1 is Scientific and Engineering Practices. This lays the foundation for all the science framework and has been overlooked in our school in the science department. The freshman year is a key area where engineering focus could be integrated.

The purpose of this resource blog is to facilitate the strengthening of this dimension in our school.

NETS Teacher Standards

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

d. Model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments

This Blog seks to inspire learning and creativity through science and engineering. This is a key concept of engaging students and teachers in this new curriculum strand. The virtual dialog available here may augment the traditional department meeting.

3. Model Digital Age Work and Learning

d. Model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning.

These information resources are key to digital age work and learning. Teaching was changed forever with the inception of the internet and online resources. This concept is not with out dilema, what is a good source and how do we know items that will not fit within this framework? Sorting by practice and then submitting them for peer review will support new learning and better practice.