Building Tomorrow's Scientists: How NGSS Transforms Learning at Concordia

At Concordia, our science program is built on the foundation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) — a framework that prepares students for the scientific challenges of the 21st century.  

This framework represents a fundamental shift from traditional science education. Rather than simply memorizing facts and formulas, students engage in authentic scientific practices that mirror how real scientists and engineers work. The framework integrates three essential dimensions: disciplinary core ideas (the fundamental concepts), crosscutting concepts (themes that connect across disciplines), and most importantly, the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) that develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Our curriculum deliberately nurtures the eight key Science and Engineering Practices throughout every course:

• Asking questions and defining problems
• Developing and using models
• Planning and carrying out investigations
• Analyzing and interpreting data
• Using mathematics and computational thinking
• Constructing explanations and designing solutions
• Engaging in argument from evidence
• Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

These practices aren't taught in isolation — they're woven into performance expectations that span physical science, life science, and engineering design, creating a learning experience that reflects the interconnected nature of science.

Using our modern, well-equppied lab spaces, our students engage in iterative problem-solving processes that mirror real-world scientific research. Students learn that science is not about finding "the right answer" but about asking better questions, testing hypotheses, analyzing results, and refining their understanding.

This approach continues seamlessly from introductory courses through Advanced Placement classes, where students tackle college-level content while maintaining the hands-on, inquiry-driven methodology that builds scientific confidence and competence. Our Applied Learning program — featuring synthetic biology, engineering, and big data — represents the pinnacle of NGSS implementation. Here, students don't just learn about cutting-edge fields; they actively contribute to them. Through authentic research projects, students apply their Science and Engineering Practices to real-world challenges, developing solutions that have genuine impact.

Representing Concordia on the World Stage

The proof of our approach is evident when our students step onto national and international stages. At various global conferences and competitions — they engage as confident young scientists and engineers, asking thoughtful questions, defending their research, and contributing meaningfully to scientific discourse.

This confidence stems from years of authentic practice with the Science and Engineering Practices. When our students present their synthetic biology research or engineering solutions, they're drawing on the same investigative skills, analytical thinking, and communication abilities they've been developing since their first day in our science program.

The NGSS framework doesn't just prepare students for science tests — it prepares them to be the scientists, engineers, and informed citizens our world needs. By embedding authentic scientific practices into every learning experience, we're cultivating the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and scientific leaders.