UNDERSTANDING THE

NEW MICHIGAN SCIENCE STANDARDS

What to Expect in Chippewa Valley Schools
Middle and High School Science

Why New Standards? How Can I Help My Child?

The State of Michigan adopted the Michigan Science There will be a very intentional shift in science classrooms
Standards (MSS), based on the Next Generation Science from students learning about to students figuring out
Standards (NGSS), in 2015. The MSS/NGSS reflect the the science.
latest research and advances in modern science. These
Initially, students may feel that, my teacher is not giving
standards equip students with a deeper understanding of
me the answers. There is no need to worry. Your child
core ideas and concepts, critical thinking, problem solving,
will gain confidence that it is okay to not know the answer
communication, collaboration, and investigation skills.
right away.
Three distinct, yet equally important, dimensions help
students learn science. Encourage your child to actively participate in the
problem solving process with peers in class.
3-Dimensions:
Science and Engineering Practices When helping your child with homework or school
assignments, ask him/her to explain how he/she
Disciplinary Core Ideas
acquired an answer and to relate it to an activity
Crosscutting Concepts conducted in class.
Fundamental
scientific Reinforce critical thinking skills at home when
Standard behaviors knowledge
that scientists and everyday challenges arise. This is a process, so
engineers use to patience and persistence is required.
explain the world or
solve problems

Frameworks for scientific
thinking across disciplines
What Can I Expect?
Lessons will begin with a real-world experience
(phenomenon) for students to investigate.
Attendance
The new standards rely heavily on investigations and
discussions conducted during class time.
When students are absent from school, they miss
opportunities to learn.
Teachers can make students and parents aware of
the learning targets missed, but they cannot recreate
the lesson that took place during class.

Students will figure out the science by questioning, Please support your child by encouraging regular
exploring, and participating in peer discussions. attendance.

Students will work independently and in small groups

before comparing explanations with the whole group.

The teacher will facilitate discussions.

For more information, visit:
Traditional test review guides will be replaced by
summary tables that organize what students have http://www.nextgenscience.org/parents
figured out about lesson phenomena. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/
Science_CourseCredit_466083_7.pdf
Please understand that while most content will be
similar to science classes in the past, the way the
students interact with the content will be different. Published June 2017
Over time, you will hear your child talking less and
less about daily lectures and completing worksheet
driven lessons that ask for the recall of facts.