The document discusses the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and how they differ from previous standards. It notes that the NGSS integrate science and engineering concepts from kindergarten through 12th grade, focus on deeper understanding of content and its application, and align with Common Core standards in English and math. The document provides examples of NGSS performance expectations for middle school related to matter and chemical reactions that emphasize developing models and designing solutions, compared to more descriptive previous standards. It also lists professional development resources for educators regarding NGSS implementation.

1. Mary M. Thurlow
Coordinator for Science
mthurlow@msde.state.md.us

2. Phase I
Phase II
1990s
1990s-2009
7/2011 – April 9, 2013
1/2010 - 7/2011

3. What’s Different about the Next
Generation Science Standards?

4. 1. K-12 Science Education Should Reflect the Interconnected Nature of Science as it
is Practiced and Experienced in the Real World.
2. The Next Generation Science Standards are student performance expectations –
NOT curriculum.
3. The science concepts build coherently from K-12.
4. The NGSS Focus on Deeper Understanding of Content as well as Application of
Content.
5. Science and Engineering are Integrated in the NGSS from K–12.
6. NGSS content is focused on preparing students for the next generation workforce.
7. The NGSS and Common Core State Standards ( English Language Arts and
Mathematics) are Aligned.

5. Inquiry Standards
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Students will explore the importance of curiosity,
honesty, openness, and skepticism in science and will
exhibit these traits in their own efforts to understand
how the world works.
Students will use standard safety practices for all
classroom laboratory and field investigations.
Students will have the computation and estimation skills
necessary for analyzing data and following scientific
explanations.
Students will use tools and instruments for observing,
measuring, and manipulating equipment and materials
in scientific activities utilizing safe laboratory
procedures.
Students will use the ideas of system, model, change,
and scale in exploring scientific and technological
matters.
Students will communicate scientific ideas and activities
clearly.
Students will question scientific claims and arguments
effectively.
Content Standards
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Distinguish between atoms and molecules.
Describe the difference between pure substances
(elements and compounds) and mixtures.
Describe the movement of particles in solids,
liquids, gases, and plasmas states.
Distinguish between physical and chemical
properties of matter as physical (i.e., density,
melting point, boiling point) or chemical (i.e.,
reactivity, combustibility).
Distinguish between changes in matter as physical
(i.e., physical change) or chemical (development of
a gas, formation of precipitate, and change in color).
Recognize that there are more than 100 elements
and some have similar properties as shown on the
Periodic Table of Elements.
Identify and demonstrate the Law of Conservation
of Matter.

6. Current State Middle School Science Standard
a. Distinguish between atoms and molecules.
b. Describe the difference between pure substances (elements and
compounds) and mixtures.
c. Describe the movement of particles in solids, liquids, gases, and
plasmas states.
d. Distinguish between physical and chemical properties of matter as
physical (i.e., density, melting point, boiling point) or chemical (i.e.,
reactivity, combustibility).
e. Distinguish between changes in matter as physical (i.e., physical
change) or chemical (development of a gas, formation of precipitate, and
change in color).
f. Recognize that there are more than 100 elements and some have
similar properties as shown on the Periodic Table of Elements.
g. Identify and demonstrate the Law of Conservation of Matter.

7. Current State Middle School Science Standard
a. Distinguish between atoms and molecules.
b. Describe the difference between pure substances (elements and
compounds) and mixtures.
c. Describe the movement of particles in solids, liquids, gases, and
plasmas states.
d. Distinguish between physical and chemical properties of matter as
physical (i.e., density, melting point, boiling point) or chemical (i.e.,
reactivity, combustibility).
e. Distinguish between changes in matter as physical (i.e., physical
change) or chemical (development of a gas, formation of precipitate, and
change in color).
f. Recognize that there are more than 100 elements and some have
similar properties as shown on the Periodic Table of Elements.
g. Identify and demonstrate the Law of Conservation of Matter.

8. NGSS Middle School Sample
a. Develop molecular-level models of a variety of substances, comparing those with simple
molecules to those with extended structures.
b. Design a solution that solves a practical problem by using characteristic chemical and
physical properties of pure substances.*
c. Develop a molecular level model that depicts and predicts why either temperature change
and/or change of state can occur when adding or removing thermal energy from a pure
substance.
d. Develop molecular models of reactants and products to support the explanation
that atoms, and therefore mass, are conserved in a chemical reaction.
e. Analyze and interpret the properties of products and reactants to determine if a chemical
reaction has occurred.
f. Gather and communicate information that people's needs and desires for new materials
drive chemistry forward, and that synthetic materials come from natural resources and
impact society.*
g. Design, construct, and test a device that either releases or absorbs thermal energy by
chemical processes.*

9. NGSS Middle School Sample
a. Develop molecular-level models of a variety of substances, comparing those with simple
molecules to those with extended structures.
b. Design a solution that solves a practical problem by using characteristic chemical and
physical properties of pure substances.*
c. Develop a molecular level model that depicts and predicts why either temperature change
and/or change of state can occur when adding or removing thermal energy from a pure
substance.
d. Develop molecular models of reactants and products to support the explanation that atoms,
and therefore mass, are conserved in a chemical reaction.
e. Analyze and interpret the properties of products and reactants to determine if a chemical
reaction has occurred.
f. Gather and communicate information that people's needs and desires for new materials drive
chemistry forward, and that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact
society.*
g. Design, construct, and test a device that either releases or absorbs thermal energy by
chemical processes.*

13. •
•
•
•
Model Units
Practice Modules
MSDE Framework Crosswalk
Professional Development Resources

17. • http://www.parcconline.org/parcc-assessment
-prototypes
-modification manual
-sample texts
-rubrics
-updates
-speaking and listening (Coming Soon)
-student samples (Coming Soon)

19. Donna Watts
dwatts@msde.state.md.us
Brianna Creed
bcreed@msde.state.md.us
Mary M. Thurlow
mthurlow@msde.state.md.us