Students need science. They need it to succeed in school, and they need it to navigate the world around them鈥攚hether interpreting a weather forecast, perfecting a recipe, or troubleshooting the Wi-Fi.
But only 22% of high school students are proficient in science, and students in grades K鈥�5 get an average of just 20 minutes of science instruction each day. For middle and high school students, access to advanced science courses is often limited. We鈥檙e giving students all the tools they need to succeed in a world that鈥檚 increasingly shaped by science and technology.
Three-dimensional learning can help us solve that. This approach moves science education into the realm of discovery鈥攚here students learn to think and act like scientists.
But unlike hot water melting ice, shifting to this approach won鈥檛 happen in an instant! Don鈥檛 worry鈥攚e鈥檙e here to help.
Science learning: a pivotal moment
Many of us were taught science the traditional way: learning about the scientific world and how it works. (And many of us did ok!) But we know now that there鈥檚 a better way. Students need to figure out science the way scientists do.
This hands-on, problem-solving, three-dimensional approach (sometimes nicknamed 鈥�3D learning鈥�) builds critical thinking, collaboration, and curiosity鈥攁ll skills that are vital across school subjects and in life.
With content and lesson plans that focus on Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas, this model equips students with critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of scientific principles.
This shift started with the 2012 publication of , which introduced the concept of three-dimensional learning. These principles, now embedded in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), focus on three major changes:
- Helping students move from simply learning about science to actively figuring it out.
- Encouraging them to explain natural phenomena.
- Aligning science learning with English language arts and math goals.
By embracing these changes, educators can help students make meaningful connections across disciplines, setting them up for success in real-world challenges.
Driving and supporting systemic change
Transforming science education isn鈥檛 a quick fix鈥攊t鈥檚 a cultural and systemic change. To make it work and make it last, schools and districts need to focus on three key drivers: process, practice, and people.
- Process: Pinpoint challenges, create clear plans, and track progress.
- Practice: Build the infrastructure for three-dimensional learning, including aligning curriculum, offering professional development, and updating teaching practices.
- People: Communicate effectively, support teachers, and highlight science champions who can inspire others.
Real change takes time and deliberate effort. But with these elements in place, schools can establish lasting improvements and build elementary and middle school programs that benefit every student.
Amplify Science鈥檚 playbook to guide you
To help educators navigate this shift, our new Science Change Management Playbook offers practical, evidence-based resources for transitioning over time to three-dimensional learning. Here鈥檚 what you鈥檒l find inside:
- Evidence-based practices: Learn structured approaches to problem-based learning, backed by research that highlights their benefits for students and teachers alike.
- Practical tips: Explore actionable steps for driving meaningful change, from crafting a shared vision to delivering effective professional learning.
- Real stories: Read testimonials from students and educators who have experienced the transformative power of curiosity-driven, collaborative learning.
With this playbook, schools can build K鈥�8 and/or middle school science programs that truly engage students, equipping them with skills they’ll use for a lifetime.
The move to three-dimensional science teaching and learning opens the door to deeper understanding, better problem-solving, greater curiosity, and鈥攎ore and more鈥攁 world built by students who know how to think like scientists.
More to explore
- Dive deeper into the shift to three-dimensional teaching and learning with our Science Change Management Playbook to help you navigate the shift to three-dimensional science teaching and learning.
- Discover how to be a changemaker for science through additional change management resources.
- Learn more about Amplify Science.
