180. Unpacking the NGSS With Christina Agurcia of Make Them Think

Secondary Science Simplified™

Over the past few episodes, we’ve been diving into all things NGSS, and it’s time to wrap up the series with someone who’s not only in the classroom but has been using the NGSS for the last decade! The Next Generation Science Standards are all about helping our students think and act like real scientists, and in this episode, I’m joined by Christina Agurcia of Make Them Think to break down how to actually make that happen in your classroom.

Christina has been working with NGSS since 2015, and she brings a refreshing, practical perspective on what these standards really mean for science educators. We unpack the why behind NGSS, including how Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts can shift your classroom from passive to powerful. Christina shares how these elements help students think more critically, make cross-disciplinary connections, and engage with science in a way that mirrors what scientists actually do.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode180

Resources:

• Be on the podcast!
• The Wonder of Science
• Bozeman Science
• Phenomena for NGSS
• Skype a Scientist
• A Framework For K-12 Science Education
• Phenomenon-Driven Storylines
• 3D Molecular Designs
• BronxZoo Teacher PD Courses
• Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
• Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
• Send me an email: [email protected]
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Connect with Christina:

• Instagram: @makethemthinktpt
• TPT Store
• Make Them Think Newsletter
• Email: [email protected]

Related Episodes:

• Episode 179, Unpacking the NGSS: Phenomena and Storylines
• Episode 178, Unpacking the NGSS: SEPs and CCCs
• Episode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to Know