KnowAtom's Blog

Research-Based Science Instruction Adds up to Better Classroom Results

Jun 6, 2021 by Megan Powers

Science education is changing for the better.

According to recent research, schools that adopt Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) through the KnowAtom curriculum achieve better results through robust support and education for teachers. These research-based instructional practices give teachers a shared platform for NGSS best practices and create a dynamic partnership that brings together teachers, administrators, and curriculum and professional development providers.

All of this adds up to a clear path to putting research into effective everyday practice – and a clear win for students as well.


NGSS Curriculum Supports Teachers with Shared Platform for Professional Development and Best Practices

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Topics: student results, Professional Development, STEM schools, Case Studies, Evaluating Curriculum, NGSS-Aligned Curriculum

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore STEM Curriculum

Nov 29, 2017 by Maryellen deLacy

There’s been a lot of talk lately about Common Core and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The changes being discussed in curricula and educational standards involve major revisions to the way we teach. However, there are compelling reasons you shouldn’t ignore STEM curriculum that go beyond standards and assessments.

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Topics: STEM, interactive science, STEM schools

The NEW Definition of Effective STEM Instruction

Mar 2, 2016 by Francis Vigeant

One of the key pieces that we need to consider is the new definition of effective STEM instruction.

The National Research Council (NRC) developed the definition back in 2011 and today it is very clearly reflected in the new Next Generation Science Standards. An ongoing trickle-down effect from the NRC’s thinking accounts for the multi-state collaboration we have today: the Next Generation Science Standards. Now, if we want to stay on the same page, we must all share a common definition of what it means to teach STEM concepts effectively. 

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Topics: Next Generation Science Standards, STEM, STEM schools, Three-Dimensional Learning

Student's Perspective: What's Missing in the K-12 STEM Classroom?

Jul 20, 2015 by Carl Weiss

Carl is a high school graduate whose hard work and creativity allowed him to grade skip and graduate early. In this guest blog post, Carl shares his perspective on what it was like to be a student in typical suburban K-12 science and math classes.

When I was in elementary school, most of the students in my class didn’t enjoy math. At that age, I was rarely different, but occasionally something would spark my interest, making me want to put real effort into finding a solution to a problem. Looking back, I realize that the type of problems that truly motivated me were the ones that joined creativity and logic, even within highly structured subjects such as math and science.

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Topics: STEM schools

Expanding community schools through STEM

Jun 20, 2015 by Nicole Lanoue

Imagine a school with a hyper-local perspective and a deep-seeded connection with the community that supports and surrounds it. A place where you’ll find typical K-12 classrooms, but also a health clinic, continuing education programs and robust after-school opportunities open to everyone—not just students. A place where students learn the value of STEM education through relevant, hands-on learning that benefits the community.

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Topics: STEM, STEM schools

Cultivating a STEM Learning Ecosystem

Jun 10, 2015 by Nicole Lanoue

A STEM learning ecosystem helps educators, parents, and other community players connect the dots between STEM learning that is formal (standards-based, in the classroom), with informal learning that students encounter every day after school, in community programs, and at home. But how do you create a thriving STEM ecosystem in your own community? If you’re thinking about building a STEM ecosystem, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

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Topics: STEM, STEM schools

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