Sam's Education Journey

What are the three dimensions of the framework and explain them in your own words. The three dimensions of the NGSS framework include Practices (SEP), Crosscutting Concepts (CCC), and Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI). The most easily recognizable dimension of the framework is Disciplinary Core Ideas. This element focuses on the content of each discipline of science, or the “what” of what will be covered. The NGSS places less focus on the quantity of the content covered in the science classroom, but emphasizes the quality of the concepts explored. Less concepts will be covered, but will be explored to a deeper degree. The goal of the NGSS is to get students to conduct science as a scientist, and the Practices dimension focuses on the investigation element of science. With this dimension, students will be learning the “how” of doing science through active explorations. The Crosscutting Concepts dimension of the framework focuses on the social aspects of science and uses for science in every...

What are some “real life” applications of magnetism? Magnets are EVERYWHERE! Even the ability to unlock your car door requires magnets (electromagnets, but magnets nonetheless)! Magnets are used to hold stuff up on the fridge, in a compass to navigate, medical equipment (MRIs), you name it!  What experience have you had with magnets in your life? Beyond the every day uses of magnets, I also have studied electromagnetism. I have a fairly firm understanding of the basic properties of magnets. Most of my understanding of magnetic interactions stems from my knowledge of electricity and how charged objects interact though.  What ideas do you have about the science  of magnets? That magnets have two poles (a North end and a South end), there are different kinds of magnets, like permanent magnets and electromagnets, the fundamentals of magnetic fields, and that Earth acts just like a giant bar magnet (with the South end located in the Arctic). Carry out the investigation: What d...