KnowAtom Blog

Ready to teach phenomenal science? Involving high quality science phenomena in your lessons is a key component of designing a next generation teaching and learning environment for current science standards like NGSS. KnowAtom’s teaching phenomena blog offers professional learning support for transformational teaching K-8.

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Cultures and Thinking in Action - Mindset 7: Learning Occurs at the Point of Challenge

Learning and Thinking Are as Much a Collective Enterprise as They Are an Individual Endeavor: Mindset 6 Cultures of Thinking in Action

Cultures of Thinking in Action Mindset 5: Learning is a Consequence of Thinking

Cultures of Thinking in Action - Mindset 4: Students Learn Best When Known, Valued, & Respected by All

Cultures of Thinking in Action - Mindset 3: To Create a New Story of Learning, We Must Change the Role of the Student and the Teacher

Cultures of Thinking in Action - Mindset 2: We Can't Directly Teach Dispositions: We Must Enculturate Them

Cultures of Thinking and Action – Mindset 1: Schools Must be Cultures of Thinking for Teachers

KnowAtom's Blog Students Learning as Scientists and Engineers

The Importance of Student Planning in STEM Instruction

An Introduction to Tribal Leadership, Part 1

How Learning Happens at the Point of Challenge

Using Thinking Routines to Teach Students How to Learn Science

Why We Need to Conquer Fear, Uncertainty, & Doubt as Adults in the Classroom

How To Improve Student Performance in Science

Student-Centered Learning: How to Teach Students to Ask Good Questions

What is the NGSS Three Dimensional Learning Approach?

What is the NGSS Three Dimensional Learning Approach?

Challenging How Schools Ask Students to Think in the K-8 Classroom

How Thinking Moves Bring NGSS Storylines to Life

How Important is Routine and Structure in NGSS Storylines?

How NGSS Storylines Shift the Roles of Students and Teachers

How Important are Generative Questions in NGSS Storylines?

How to make NGSS Storylines a Student Centered Learning Experience

How to Improve the Effectiveness of NGSS Storylines with Formative Assessments

Deeper Learning Hands-on Screens-off: NGSS 3 Dimensions & Storylines

How to Launch NGSS Storylines Anchored with NGSS Phenomena

How to Use Socratic Dialogue to Drive Discussion in NGSS Storylines

How to Use NGSS Phenomena to Construct Meaningful Storylines

Engage Science and Engineering as a Way of Thinking with NGSS Practices

Encourage Deeper Learning with Creative NGSS Storylines

Color, Symbol, Image: A Thinking Routine to Map Student Understanding

Tug of War: Thinking Moves to Explore the Complexity of Dilemmas

Critical Thinking and the Connect, Extend, Challenge Thinking Routine

Explore Change and Possibility with the What Can Be Thinking Routine

Claim, Support, Question Thinking Routine and Reasoning With Evidence

Inspire Skillful Listening with The Explanation Game Thinking Routine

See, Think, Wonder Thinking Routine for Creative Classroom Learning

What Thinking Moves and Routines Can Help Students to be Successful Learners?

Forming Evidence-based Conclusions and Debriefing CER in Science K-8

Using Socratic Dialogue with NGSS Curriculum

Science for the Next Generation: Preparing for the New Standards

What Are the Next Generation Science Standards?

5 Steps to Use NGSS Phenomena More Effectively in Your Classroom

The NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas: An Overview of the Fundamentals

Next Generation Science Standards by Grade Level: From Elementary to Middle School

Next Gen Curriculum Mapping: 3 Important Things to Unpack

Tools to Develop a Growth Mindset in Cooperative Learning Discussions

Cooperative Learning Strategies, Activities and Checkpoints

CER Sentence Starters Help Students Form Claim Evidence Reasoning

NGSS Evidence Statements for Effective Classroom Experiences

3 Key Features to Look for When Evaluating an NGSS-Aligned Science Curriculum

17 Reasons Why the NGSS Science Framework Was Developed

The Best Formative Assessment for Accelerated Learning in Student Centered Classrooms

Learning Styles Are More About Teaching Styles: Teaching All Learners

The Best KWL Chart is Actually a Picture-Thinking Routine

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices and Why They Matter

The NGSS 3 Dimensions of Science Learning: Understanding Why They Are Key

CER Science with Thinking Moves: Using Claim Evidence Reasoning

Constructivism In the Classroom: Concept Mapping for NGSS

Improving Teamwork and Collaboration Skills with Hands-on NGSS Science

Improving Teacher Expectations of What Students Can Learn with NGSS-Based Explorations

New Constructivist Teaching & 5e Model Remove Barriers to Learning K-8

Teachers Using KnowAtom Engage Students in More Hands-on Science Investigations

Research: Student Math & ELA Achievement Rises Using KnowAtom for NGSS

Student-Centered Instruction: Central to the Next Generation Science Classroom

New Research Results on NGSS Curriculum Effects on Students and Teachers

Schools Show Success in Improving Student Learning, Engagement and Behavior with a Combination of KnowAtom’s Research-Based Instructional Practices and Professional Development

Review Finds Big Impact on Teaching & Learning with KnowAtom for NGSS

New Findings: Teachers & Students Transformed by Next Generation Science Standards with Curriculum Designed by KnowAtom

Research-Based Science Instruction Adds up to Better Classroom Results

Professional Development for Teachers Leads to Excellent Outcomes, Sparking New Beliefs and Attitudes

Research Shows Changing Beliefs and Attitudes About Teaching and Learning Science

Thinking Moves: Building Cognitive Strategies in the Classroom and Remote Learning Environment

How to Take KnowAtom Lessons Remote

Facilitating Productive Discussions: Tools for the Classroom or Remote Learning

How to Navigate Remote Learning: Tips and Tools from a Veteran Teacher

Do teachers have a new role in the NGSS classroom?

New Resource Helps Teachers Make 3-Dimensional Science Assessments

New Report Focuses on Science Time on Learning

How to Create a Culture of Thinking in the K-8 Science Classroom

Concrete Ways to Ask Students Better Questions

How To Ask Questions that Lead to More Engaged Students

The “Art of Teaching NGSS”: How Phenomena and a Culture of Learning Impact Student Engagement

Iraqi Teachers Adopt KnowAtom to Create a Next Generation Science Experience for IDP Students K-8

How Does Professional Development Shape Culture?

Instructional Leadership is Essential for a Successful NGSS Implementation

What Does a Successful K12 NGSS Implementation Look Like?

Why is Culture Key to Implementing the Next Generation Science Standards?

How to Incorporate Formative Assessment Into Your Next Generation Science Lesson

3 Features Shared by All Next Generation Formative Assessments

Why Are Formative Assessments Essential to Effective Next Generation Science Instruction?

How Do Formative Assessments Benefit Elementary and Middle School Students?

Socratic Dialogue: 5 Steps to Ensure Students Are Making Deep Connections

7 Expectations You Should Set for a Genuine Socratic Dialogue

Lawrence Public Schools Sees Uptick in Science Performance Among English Learners

3 Socratic Dialogue Formats for Active Student Participation

5 Features of All Socratic Dialogues

Why is Socratic Dialogue So Important in a Next Generation Science Classroom?

3 Key Takeaways from Achieve’s New Alignment Claims Resource

Three Years In, Science Program in the Kurdish Region of Iraq Yields Positive Results

How to Use Phenomena to Develop NGSS Practices in the Classroom

3 Ways Phenomena Transform Science Classrooms

7 Habits of Highly Effective STEM Teachers

5 Reasons Inquiry Science in Schools Gets the Best Results

STEM Grants for Teachers: Where Can I Find Them and How Do I Apply?

STEM Industry Wants Employees Who Can Think

Help Wanted: How to Onboard Parents Early with STEM

Should Every Student Learn STEM?

Alignment Challenges of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore STEM Curriculum

Girls and Women in STEM: Enhancing Equality and Opportunity

3 Strategies Science Classrooms Can Adopt From Innovation Companies

Using STEM to Unlock the Potential of Rural Classrooms

Comeback Cities: How STEM can boost the economic recovery

STEM that Competes with the Street

Are You Modeling a STEM Mindset?

One Child Shares His Passion for STEM and Life

Where do NGSS and ELA Standards Intersect?

Expanding the Maker Movement with STEM

NGSS Professional Development for Teachers

Maximize Your Professional Development by Making It Ongoing

Young Americans in STEM: From Recession to Optimism

Developing Curriculum for the Next Generation Classroom

3 Steps to Make Sure Your Professional Development Supports Teachers as they Implement NGSS

Was STEAM Involved in Picasso's Guernica?

4 Features of All NGSS-Designed (Not Just Aligned) Curriculum

Concrete Ways to Maximize Your NGSS Implementation

5 Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them When Implementing NGSS in the Classroom

How to Combat Churn When Implementing NGSS

Breaking Down the Cost of NGSS Implementation

Why Time on Learning Matters When Implementing NGSS

7 Principles of Effective Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Implementation

KnowAtom's New Interactive Supports Teachers in Next Gen STEM Education

Surfing STEM with ScienceWorks!

Exploring STEM on a Carnival Cruise with ScienceWorks!

Explore How Trash Becomes Electricity with STEM in ScienceWorks!

Designing Classrooms for Next Generation Science and Engineering Success

Differences Between Next Generation “Aligned” vs. Designed

Habits of Mind and the Classroom Experience

How 5E’s Become Non-Linear & Iterative

Making More Effective Use of the 5E instructional model under NGSS

Does Phenomena-Led Teaching and Learning Fit the Old K-W-L Chart?

Connecting Phenomena with the Nature of Science & Engineering

Traditional Versus Next Generation Models of Instruction

What is the 5E Instructional Model?

Introduction to the 5E Instructional Model

STEM Crossover: Where ELA & Math Meet Science

The Student Inquiry Experience

STEM and the Four Levels of Readiness

What Is The STEM Cycle?

A New Definition of Effective STEM Instruction

NGSS And K-12: Supporting The Shift With Effective Resources

When Art and NGSS Meet Common Core: Math & ELA

New Practices and New Processes in STEM Instruction

A Three-Legged Stool of Standards

The STEM Cycle: A Cycle of Innovation

Science & Engineering: Concept-to-Concept, Concept-to-Self, and Concept-to-World Connections

The Connection Between Phenomena & Standardized Testing

What Comprises Next Generation Science Standards Lesson Plans?

Implementing Phenomena Within Lesson and Unit Flow

How Anchor Phenomena and Investigative Phenomena Work Within Science-Based Learning

Phenomena: Connections to PBL and Hands-On Inquiry

What does a Phenomena-Centered Classroom and Curriculum Look Like?

Three-Dimensional NGSS Performance Expectations

What Are Phenomena? A Comprehensive Guide for NGSS Educators

Latest eBook: How to Maximize Student Engagement with Phenomena

Using Full Release of Responsibility as a Tool for Mastery

Building a Framework of Concept Knowledge Using Science & Engineering Practices

Timeline for the Full Release of Responsibility

Aiming for Mastery Readiness

Performance in Three Dimensions

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective K-8 Science Teachers: Starting with 'Why'

Believing in Students' Words, Thoughts and Actions

The Growth Mindset

The Culture of Grit

Giving Immediate Helpful Feedback as Coach Not Expert

Traditional vs. Next Generation Standards and Pedagogy

A Next Generation Approach to Time and Resources

Should Teachers Be Gatekeepers or Coaches?

The Nature of Science and Engineering Under NGSS

Proof: Rigor with KnowAtom Get Results

Setting Accurate Expectations About Effort and Deliberate Practice

Creating an Environment Where Challenge Exceeds Skill

What Is Reasonable for Science Implementation and Sustainability?

How to Transition from 7-Year Textbook Adoptions to a Yearly Science Budget K-12

The Drawback of DIY Science Curriculum

Estimating the Time & Cost of New Science Standards

How the Release of Responsibility Timeline Plays Into Science

Are You Testing Your Next Gen Science Materials?

How to Design a Curriculum that Supports the NGSS

What to Expect in Next Gen Science Curriculum Development

Using Science Time-On-Learning Well

More Than a Task: Learning STEM

What Should We Budget for Time-On-Learning?

Planning for Grit and Growth

Grit is a Culture

Purposeful Instruction to Encourage Grit and Rigor

Encouraging Grit: Warm, Demanding, Authoritative — But Not Authoritarian

Designing Curriculum to Instill Grit in Students

The Difference Between Entertainment and Engagement