What It Is
            •  The Framework is a document that:
                 – Serves as the first step towards new science 
                   education standards
                 – Attempts to utilize forward momentum of common 
                   core standards and the need for new science 
                   standards to further the nation’s science education
                 – Looks to incorporate engineering content and 
                   practices with those of “pure” science
                 – Was created through the partnership of the NRC, 
                   AAAS, NSTA, and feedback from hundreds of 
                   teachers, administrators, and science organizations
          What It Isn’t
            •  The Framework is not:
                 – A “standards” document
                 – Legislation in any way, shape, or form
                 – A set of curricula
          Framework Structure
            •  The Framework is broken into a number of parts:
                 – Framework Vision and Focus
                 – Scientific and Engineering Practices
                 – Crosscutting Concepts
                 – Disciplinary Core Ideas
                 – Recommendations for Use
          Vision and Focus
            •  The committee charged with creating the 
               framework aims to improve science education in 
               three distinct ways:
                 – Strive for pedagogy and learning built on the idea of 
                   developmental progressions
                     • Knowledge/practices are “spiraled” by grade band
                 – Push for limited number of core ideas with greater 
                   depth
                 – Emphasize that science learning requires knowledge 
                   and skills
          Scientific and Engineering Practices
            •  Why focus on practices?
                 – Helps students and teachers see science practices 
                   as more than just those of experimentation
                 – Removes the misconception that there is one 
                   “scientific method”
                 – Allows for a common vocabulary when striving for 
                   greater inquiry-based learning