NGSS and AP Sciences
The AP Science classes for Physics, Biology, and Chemistry have all been updated over the past three years. The changes included moving focus away from rigid content lines and towards Big Ideas and Science Practices. All three subjects have the same science practices, which correlate nicely with NGSS. AP Science Practices 1-6 map neatly to the SEP, and AP Science Practice 7 is effectively asking students to be aware of CCC. If you are not sure what these terms mean, please begin with the NGSS Overview to familiarize yourself with the 3D nature of NGSS.
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices vs AP Science Practices 1-6
AP Science Practice 1: The student can use
representations and models to communicate
scientific phenomena and solve scientific problems.
NGSS SEP: Develop and Use Models and Obtain/Evaluate/Communicate Information
AP Science Practice 2: The student can use mathematics appropriately.
NGSS SEP: Use Math and Computational Thinking
AP Science Practice 3: The student can engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking or to guide investigations within the context of the AP course.
NGSS SEP: Ask Questions/Define Problems
AP Science Practice 4: The student can plan and implement data collection strategies in relation to a particular scientific question.
NGSS SEP: Plan and Carry Out Investigations
AP Science Practice 5: The student can perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence.
NGSS SEP: Analyze and Interpret Data
AP Science Practice 6: The student can work with scientific explanations and theories.
NGSS SEP: Construct Explanations/Design Solutions and Argue from Evidence
There are various ways you can map the two statements of practices, and there is some overlap and duplication, but this is a good start for finding the ways in which NGSS and AP Sciences easily work together.
NGSS SEP: Develop and Use Models and Obtain/Evaluate/Communicate Information
AP Science Practice 2: The student can use mathematics appropriately.
NGSS SEP: Use Math and Computational Thinking
AP Science Practice 3: The student can engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking or to guide investigations within the context of the AP course.
NGSS SEP: Ask Questions/Define Problems
AP Science Practice 4: The student can plan and implement data collection strategies in relation to a particular scientific question.
NGSS SEP: Plan and Carry Out Investigations
AP Science Practice 5: The student can perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence.
NGSS SEP: Analyze and Interpret Data
AP Science Practice 6: The student can work with scientific explanations and theories.
NGSS SEP: Construct Explanations/Design Solutions and Argue from Evidence
There are various ways you can map the two statements of practices, and there is some overlap and duplication, but this is a good start for finding the ways in which NGSS and AP Sciences easily work together.
Cross-Cutting Concepts vs AP Science Practice 7
AP Science Practice 7: The student is able to connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts, and representations in and across domains.
This AP Science Practice encompasses all of the NGSS Cross-Cutting Concepts:
- Cause and Effect
- Patterns
- Energy and Matter
- Systems
- Stability and Change
- Scale
- Structure and Function
If you are unsure how to fold these into your curriculum, please see the Implementation Guide for suggestions.
This AP Science Practice encompasses all of the NGSS Cross-Cutting Concepts:
- Cause and Effect
- Patterns
- Energy and Matter
- Systems
- Stability and Change
- Scale
- Structure and Function
If you are unsure how to fold these into your curriculum, please see the Implementation Guide for suggestions.
DCI vs Big Ideas (and EU, EK, etc.)
This is much different for each course, so each has its own page. Currently under construction.
AP Physics
AP Chemistry
AP Biology
All of the DCI come from a document from the National Research Council that lays out a Framework of k-12 Science Education. You can download a full copy of the framework here (login required). The DCI for Physical Sciences start on Page 103 and Life Science on Page 139.
AP Physics
AP Chemistry
AP Biology
All of the DCI come from a document from the National Research Council that lays out a Framework of k-12 Science Education. You can download a full copy of the framework here (login required). The DCI for Physical Sciences start on Page 103 and Life Science on Page 139.