---
title: Teaching Phenomena | Insights to STEM Curriculum & NGSS (2)
description: Top performing NGSS curriculum and professional development for teachers implementing next generation science standards in K8 classrooms. (2)
image: https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Featured%20images/knowatom-global-featured.webp
---

[Blog](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena)

- [Teaching Tools & Strategies](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/teaching-tools-strategies)
- [Next Generation Science Standards](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/next-generation-science-standards)
- [Learning Methods](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/learning-methods)
- [STEM / STEAM](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/stem-steam)
- [Leadership](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/leadership)
- [Curriculum](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/curriculum)
- [State Standards](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/state-standards)
- [School Administration](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/school-administration)
- [Testing](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/testing)
- [Professional Development](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/professional-development)
- [Socratic dialogue](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/socratic-dialogue)
- [socracircle+](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/socracircle)

# KnowAtom Blog

Ready to teach phenomenal science? Involving high quality science phenomena in your lessons is a key component of designing a next generation teaching and learning environment for current science standards like NGSS. KnowAtom’s teaching phenomena blog offers professional learning support for transformational teaching K-8.

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## Latest Post

[![socracircle+ AI and the power of human connection](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Blog%20Photos/students%20and%20socracircle.jpg) 

](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/socracircle-and-the-power-of-human-connection)

### [Innovation in EdTech AI: SocraCircle+ and the Power of Human Connection](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/socracircle-and-the-power-of-human-connection)

Posted by **[Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant),** **Jun 10, 2025**

 AI’s New Role in the Classroom Educators today find themselves at the crossroads of a technological revolution. Artificial intelligence is rapidly making its way into classrooms, promising to save ...

## Latest Posts

[![Learning occurs at the point of challenge in KnowAtom science classrooms](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/elementary%20age%20students%20engaged%20in%20a%20productive%20learning%20challenge%20in%20their%20science%20classroom.jpeg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/learning-occurs-at-the-point-of-challenge)

### [Cultures and Thinking in Action - Mindset 7: Learning Occurs at the Point of Challenge](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/learning-occurs-at-the-point-of-challenge)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Jan 3, 2025

[![Learning and Thinking as a Collective Enterprise](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/icon%20that%20conveys%20an%20elementary%20classroom%20culture%20of%20thinking.jpeg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/learning-and-thinking-as-a-collective-enterprise-mindset-6)

### [Learning and Thinking Are as Much a Collective Enterprise as They Are an Individual Endeavor: Mindset 6 Cultures of Thinking in Action](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/learning-and-thinking-as-a-collective-enterprise-mindset-6)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Nov 25, 2024

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Blog%20Photos/elementary-students-enjoying-collaborating-and-hands-on-learning.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/learning-is-a-consequence-of-thinking-mindset-5)

### [Cultures of Thinking in Action Mindset 5: Learning is a Consequence of Thinking](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/learning-is-a-consequence-of-thinking-mindset-5)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Sep 12, 2024

[ Read All Posts ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/all)

## Teaching Tools & Strategies

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/teachers-need-to-know-where-theyre-going.webp) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/how-to-approach-structure-in-stem-instruction)

### [The Importance of Student Planning in STEM Instruction](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/how-to-approach-structure-in-stem-instruction)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Jun 14, 2024

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Blackboard%20with%20the%20text%20Everything%20is%20Possible.webp) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/how-learning-happens-at-the-point-of-challenge)

### [How Learning Happens at the Point of Challenge](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/how-learning-happens-at-the-point-of-challenge)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
May 13, 2024

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Picture1-1-May-29-2024-08-03-30-2598-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/using-thinking-routines-to-teach-students-how-to-learn-science)

### [Using Thinking Routines to Teach Students How to Learn Science](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/using-thinking-routines-to-teach-students-how-to-learn-science)

 by [Judy Higgins](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/judy-higgins)   
May 7, 2024

[ Read All Posts Tagged Teaching Tools & Strategies ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/teaching-tools-strategies)

## Next Generation Science Standards

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/kurdishrefugees.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/students-learning-as-scientists-and-engineers)

### [KnowAtom's Blog Students Learning as Scientists and Engineers](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/students-learning-as-scientists-and-engineers)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Jun 14, 2024

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/KA_bloggraphic-May-29-2024-08-02-33-0106-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/explore-the-3-dimensions-of-the-next-generation-science-standards)

### [What is the NGSS Three Dimensional Learning Approach?](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/explore-the-3-dimensions-of-the-next-generation-science-standards)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Oct 18, 2023

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/KA-Routine-and-Structure-NGSS2-May-29-2024-07-53-22-5226-AM.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/how-important-is-routine-and-structure-in-ngss-storylines)

### [How Important is Routine and Structure in NGSS Storylines?](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/how-important-is-routine-and-structure-in-ngss-storylines)

 by [Staff Writer](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/staff-writer)   
May 9, 2023

[ Read All Posts Tagged Next Generation Science Standards ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/next-generation-science-standards)

## Learning Methods

[![Learning occurs at the point of challenge in KnowAtom science classrooms](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/elementary%20age%20students%20engaged%20in%20a%20productive%20learning%20challenge%20in%20their%20science%20classroom.jpeg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/learning-occurs-at-the-point-of-challenge)

### [Cultures and Thinking in Action - Mindset 7: Learning Occurs at the Point of Challenge](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/learning-occurs-at-the-point-of-challenge)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Jan 3, 2025

[![Learning and Thinking as a Collective Enterprise](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/icon%20that%20conveys%20an%20elementary%20classroom%20culture%20of%20thinking.jpeg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/learning-and-thinking-as-a-collective-enterprise-mindset-6)

### [Learning and Thinking Are as Much a Collective Enterprise as They Are an Individual Endeavor: Mindset 6 Cultures of Thinking in Action](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/learning-and-thinking-as-a-collective-enterprise-mindset-6)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Nov 25, 2024

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Blog%20Photos/elementary-students-enjoying-collaborating-and-hands-on-learning.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/learning-is-a-consequence-of-thinking-mindset-5)

### [Cultures of Thinking in Action Mindset 5: Learning is a Consequence of Thinking](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/learning-is-a-consequence-of-thinking-mindset-5)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Sep 12, 2024

[ Read All Posts Tagged Learning Methods ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/learning-methods)

## STEM / STEAM

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/shutterstock_118630942-May-29-2024-07-54-35-3865-AM.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/in-the-know-why-science-and-engineering-practices-matter)

### [NGSS Science and Engineering Practices and Why They Matter](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/in-the-know-why-science-and-engineering-practices-matter)

 by [Sara Goodman](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/sara-goodman)   
Sep 1, 2021

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/child_engineer-May-29-2024-07-58-19-4923-AM.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/stem-industry-wants-employees-who-can-think)

### [STEM Industry Wants Employees Who Can Think](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/stem-industry-wants-employees-who-can-think)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Dec 7, 2017

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/test_tubes_diversity-May-29-2024-07-58-03-9162-AM.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/should-every-student-learn-stem)

### [Should Every Student Learn STEM?](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/should-every-student-learn-stem)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Dec 1, 2017

[ Read All Posts Tagged STEM / STEAM ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/stem-steam)

## Leadership

[![Informational vs Transformational Learning](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Figure%201.1%20Cultures%20of%20Thinking%20in%20Action%20%281%29.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/schools-must-be-cultures-of-thinking-for-teachers-mindset-1)

### [Cultures of Thinking and Action – Mindset 1: Schools Must be Cultures of Thinking for Teachers](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/schools-must-be-cultures-of-thinking-for-teachers-mindset-1)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Jul 9, 2024

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Ebooks/school-climate-tribal-leadership-ebook.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/what-is-tribal-leadership)

### [An Introduction to Tribal Leadership, Part 1](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/what-is-tribal-leadership)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Jun 13, 2024

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/practices-that-increase-student-performance-in-science-May-29-2024-08-01-53-4195-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/how-to-improve-student-performance-in-science)

### [How To Improve Student Performance in Science](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/how-to-improve-student-performance-in-science)

 by [Judy Higgins](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/judy-higgins)   
Apr 24, 2024

[ Read All Posts Tagged Leadership ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/leadership)

## Curriculum

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Deeper-Learning-Topic2-May-29-2024-07-54-26-7641-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/using-socratic-dialogue-with-ngss-curriculum)

### [Using Socratic Dialogue with NGSS Curriculum](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/using-socratic-dialogue-with-ngss-curriculum)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Feb 4, 2022

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/High%20angle%20view%20of%20young%20business%20people%20discussing%20in%20meeting%20at%20creative%20office-May-29-2024-08-02-28-1470-AM.jpeg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/next-gen-curriculum-mapping)

### [Next Gen Curriculum Mapping: 3 Important Things to Unpack](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/next-gen-curriculum-mapping)

 by [Judy Higgins](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/judy-higgins)   
Oct 28, 2021

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/3-key-header-May-29-2024-08-03-21-9246-AM.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/3-key-features-of-next-generation-designed-science-curriculum)

### [3 Key Features to Look for When Evaluating an NGSS-Aligned Science Curriculum](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/3-key-features-of-next-generation-designed-science-curriculum)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Oct 7, 2021

[ Read All Posts Tagged Curriculum ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/curriculum)

## State Standards

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/kids-science-May-29-2024-08-01-39-9289-AM.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/lawrence-public-schools-sees-uptick-in-science-performance-among-english-learners)

### [Lawrence Public Schools Sees Uptick in Science Performance Among English Learners](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/lawrence-public-schools-sees-uptick-in-science-performance-among-english-learners)

 by [Nicole Lanoue](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/nicole-lanoue)   
May 30, 2018

[ Read All Posts Tagged State Standards ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/state-standards)

## School Administration

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blurry%20hallway_2192236_Subscription_Monthly_M-May-29-2024-07-53-55-8231-AM.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/simple-ways-to-promote-your-schools-vision)

### [What is the NGSS Three Dimensional Learning Approach?](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/simple-ways-to-promote-your-schools-vision)

 by [Francis Vigeant](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/francis-vigeant)   
Oct 18, 2023

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PD%20teacher%20in%20classroom-May-29-2024-07-58-16-2678-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/what-does-a-successful-k12-ngss-implementation-look-like)

### [What Does a Successful K12 NGSS Implementation Look Like?](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/what-does-a-successful-k12-ngss-implementation-look-like)

 by [Sara Goodman](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/sara-goodman)   
Nov 28, 2018

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/beakers_lab_science_interactive-May-29-2024-07-53-29-9317-AM.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/5-reasons-interactive-science-in-schools-gets-the-best-results)

### [5 Reasons Inquiry Science in Schools Gets the Best Results](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/5-reasons-interactive-science-in-schools-gets-the-best-results)

 by [Maryellen deLacy](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/author/maryellen-delacy)   
Dec 14, 2017

[ Read All Posts Tagged School Administration ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/school-administration)

## Testing

[ Read All Posts Tagged Testing ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/testing)

## Professional Development

[ Read All Posts Tagged Professional Development ](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/tag/professional-development)

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