Creating Instructional Units

Photo Source: Renee Beaucheane

Creating Instructional Units

Steps to Create NGSS Instructional Units

1) Create Guiding Questions using the Framework and Performance Expectations

2) Create Unit Overview using examples from Model Curriculum, NGSS Storylines, and other curriculum examples.

3) Identify the 3 Dimensions covered using NGSS Foundation Boxes in the NGSS and the Framework.

4) Create Assessments (formative and/or summative) based on Evidence Statements and Performance Expectations.

5) For a learning experience's Student Learning Objective (SLO), weave each of the 3 dimensions to be used into a single statement, focusing on one step of the instructional sequence (using PE and NGSS Foundation Boxes).
P+CC+DCI=SLO

6) Layer several SLOs that provide progressive experiences and build deep understanding, incorporating the 3 dimensions - using Performance Expectations as the goal to reach (NGSS Storylines, and Learning Progressions).

7) Unit Guide should include:

Performance Expectations
3 Dimensions
SLOs
Phenomena to be investigated
Suggested Activities
Suggested Resources
Benchmarks
Rubrics

from Evidence Statements
  High school
  Middle grades
  Elementary grades

NSTA: Designing Units and Lessons