Valerie Martinez

Dr. Cleveland Hayes

EDUC 390
Weekly Article Analysis: Next Generation Science Standards
October 6, 2015
In the article, Incorporating Models into Science Teaching to Meet the Next Generation
Science Standards, by Andrew Falk and Lauren Brodsky, the authors argue why utilizing
models in the classroom is essential, especially for future students, the benefits models have on
students learning, and finally instructional strategies on how to best include models within
curriculum. Models are defined as selective representations of the natural world used to aid
thinking and communication. They can come in all different types of forms: visual
representations, mathematical equations, schematic or relational diagrams, computer simulations,
or even three-dimensional physical constructions. Models should be utilized in the classroom
because they serve to design and conducts investigations, use mathematics and computational
thinking, and help construct explanations; all of which are essential practices in the new
framework for the K-12 Science Education.
With the next generation science standards, students are expected to develop and use
models to represent a variety of relationships, processes, and mechanisms. Models aide students
in learning science content, along with leading them into using them as instructional tools, and
shaping them to best fit their needs. We have found that by integrating students critique, use
construction, and evaluating models with their learning of core science, students abilities with
both the practice and the ideas become stronger.1 Incorporating models within the curriculum
allows students to approach learning through different medians that not only keeps them
interested, but also as a way for them to show what they have learned in creative ways. Some
instructional strategies for integrating models in to the classroom include criticizing models,
using models as sources of evidence, testing models as hypotheses, and having students build
their own models. Critiquing models helps students develop an initial understanding of the nature
of models in science. Using models as evidence helps students develop familiarity within the
different forms that models can take, and within interpreting or manipulating them. Testing
models as hypotheses helps students understand how models are used to build knowledge.
Building models engages students most fully in their use by realizing the purpose they serve.
An example that was brought up during the article that I especially found interesting and could
see myself using one day in the classroom is having students create models at the beginning of a
sequence of instruction. I believe this is a great way to see what students know, or believe to be
true, and have as point of reference to compare to after a lesson. Models are also an efficient way
to monitor students progress and show what they have learned. Along with this, they can also be
extremely beneficial in aiding students who are visual and spatial learners by fitting to their
needs.
1 Falk, Andrew, and Lauren Brodsky. "Incorporating Models into Science Teaching to Meet the
Next Generation Science Standards." Science Scope (2013): n. page 61-69. National Science
Teachers Association. Web.