179. Unpacking the NGSS: Phenomena and Storylines

Ever feel like your students are just going through the motions - memorizing facts without really connecting to what they're learning? I think we can all agree that we want our students to be able to apply their learning to real world context! That’s why I’m diving into two of my absolute favorite NGSS concepts in this episode: phenomena and storylines.

I’ll explain the different types of phenomena, how they tie into storylines, and why giving students a role in the process transforms engagement. Plus, I’m sharing practical tips to start small and make these strategies work with what you’re already doing. 

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode179

Resources:

• Antibiotic Resistance Lab
• INRS Complete Units
• Ecosystem in a Bottle Project
• Using Phenomena to Teach the NGSS
• Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
• Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com  
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Related Episodes:

• Episode 178, Unpacking the NGSS: SEPs and CCCs
• Episode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to Know
• Episode 153, How to Make Boring Topics More Engaging
• Episode 107, NGSS and Standards-Based Grading with Guest Boni Hamilton
• Episode 106, Standards-Based Grading, Citizenship Grades, Motivation and MORE with Guest Jennica Harrison 

If you are looking for a FUN and FREE way to engage your students this October, leading up to Halloween, you NEED to grab my 4 FREE Halloween science resources - one for biology, one for chemistry, one for physics, and one for anatomy - that you can do with your students now through the end of the month.  Grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/