179. Unpacking the NGSS: Phenomena and Storylines

179. Unpacking the NGSS: Phenomena and Storylines

Secondary Science Simplified™ · 2025-04-21

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 LabINRS Complete UnitsEcosystem in a Bottle ProjectUsing Phenomena to Teach the NGSSDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Related Episodes:

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

Secondary Science Simplified™

Secondary Science Simplified is a podcast specifically for high school science teachers that will help you to engage your students AND simplify your life as a secondary science educator. Each week Rebecca, from It's Not Rocket Science, and her guests will share practical and easy-to-implement strategies for decreasing your workload so that you can stop working overtime and start focusing your energy doing what you love - actually teaching! Teaching doesn't have to be rocket science, and you'll learn exactly what you need to do to simplify your secondary science teaching life so that you can enjoy your life outside of school even more. Head to itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/challenge to grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.

Where can you listen?

Apple Podcasts Logo Spotify Logo Podtail Logo Google Podcasts Logo RSS

Episodes