JASON Learning is Next Generation Science

Real Scientists + Real-World Phenomena = Real Next Generation Learning

Download an overview of JASON Curricula Alignments to NGSS by clicking the image to the right. >>>

When Dr. Robert Ballard returned home after finding the location of the RMS Titanic in 1985, he received thousands of letters from children all over the world, asking how to become scientists and explorers. Determined to become part of the solution to close the STEM gap and produce scientifically literate and STEM career-ready workers, Dr. Ballard established JASON Learning. Realizing the power of strong role models, Ballard founded the program with the philosophy that connecting kids with scientists and real-world applications inspires and motivates them to study, and pursue careers in, STEM.

Since then, JASON has developed award-winning, state-of-the-art curricula that integrates the nation’s leading scientists and they work that they do into every curricular component, highlighting real-world phenomena and application.

The three-dimensional learning presented in the National Research Council’s A Framework for K-12 Science Education (2012) and the Next Generation Science Standards promotes deeper student understanding of core ideas and crosscutting concepts, and the acquisition of skills and tools to effectively question, model, construct evidence-based explanations, and evaluate and communicate ideas. The cornerstones of this framework are the anchoring phenomena around which students become engaged and driven. By connecting students to real scientists and real-world research, JASON provides authentic and relevant phenomena around which to build three-dimensional learning units of instruction.

Next Generation Science Standards For Educators, By Educators

Here at JASON, we understand that NGSS isn’t just about new standards—it’s about new pedagogy and new ways of delivering guided instruction. As such, JASON is being extremely critical and careful in our approach to providing NGSS resources. We want to develop these resources the right way, and with the right tools, incorporating research-based methods and well-constructed units.

True NGSS “alignment” involves more than correlating content and key concepts—it requires a shift in how science is taught and how materials are designed. To support this shift in pedagogy, JASON Learning established the JASON NGSS Alignment Task Force  in 2014, with the teaching community in Rhode Island, the first state to adopt NGSS. In an effort to determine and describe how JASON Curricula best support the NGSS, this group of dedicated educators and administrators in Rhode Island, along with JASON staff, closely examined each and every existing article and hands-on investigation to determine the level of current NGSS alignment and how well each item embraces the three-dimensional framework as envisioned. The work took place over a course of 3 years. The following at-a-glance matrices are currently available for download:

Additional matrices are in development.

A digital catalog of existing curricula resource alignments to NGSS is available within JASON’s digital platform. The Task Force is also supporting the development and field-testing of exemplar lessons.

NGSS Lesson Planning Tools

In order to support the shifts in pedagogy, JASON has developed the following resources to help teachers:

NGSS Lesson Plan Template offers a way for educators to put specific NGSS lesson design requirements presented in the EQuIP rubric for science 3.0 into a written lesson plan – “on paper”. This template can be modified. Check out our digital, fillable pdf version here. Also see a sample of a completed lesson plan here for added support when using this template: Modeling the Greenhouse Effect.

Three-Dimensional Learning Reflection challenges educators to deliberately and purposefully position investigations or labs to engage students in the 3-dimensional learning process and can be used for JASON and non-JASON lessons.

Concept Resource Map helps educators determine how and with what supporting resources a single activity helps develop the ideas, concepts, and practices necessary for students to reach a performance expectation. Multiple activities, representing a continuum of learning and experiences within a storyline will be necessary to position any one student to reach any given performance expectation.

Planning Investigations – Experimental Design Template can be used by both teachers and students in planning an investigation. This “map” helps conceptualize the process of isolating variables and determining how, why and what to test while linking the investigation back to a central phenomenon and focus question.

Engineering Design Decision Matrix – A variation of the Pugh Matrix, this allows students to systematically compare competing designs or solutions, one of the key expectations of the new engineering design standards.

JASON’s Professional Development Program

Designing your NGSS units of instruction?
Or just need a little more support in understanding and practicing the NGSS shifts?
We Can Help.

JASON’s National Training Team helps educators using JASON materials to embrace the vision of NGSS and deliver experiences for students that are three-dimensional. Participating educators receive the tools and strategies they need to deliver JASON effectively and develop deeper understanding and practice around NGSS pedagogy.

JASON’s NGSS training sessions can be customized according to the level of familiarity and comfort with Next Generation Science Standards. JASON offers one-day and two-day experiences to week-long institutes, as well as on-going support. Sample sessions are described in our flyer. Some level of prior PD focused on NGSS, and familiarity with the EQuIP rubric is helpful but not required for these sessions. Contact pd@jason.org to learn more about our week-long institutes, customizing a training experience for your district, and pricing.