Designing High-Quality Science Instruction with the North Dakota Science Standards

Welcome, Middle School & High School Science Teachers!

Whether you are a middle school or high school science teacher who is new to the North Dakota Science Standards or an experienced educator looking to strengthen your instructional planning, I am excited you are here!

The North Dakota Science Standards are designed to help students do more than memorize scientific facts - they challenge students to think critically, investigate phenomena, analyze evidence, and explain the natural world through authentic scientific practices.  Successfully implementing these standards requires thoughtful planning that connect curriculum, instruction, and assessment into a cohesive learning experience.

Throughout this course, you will explore how to unpack standards, develop meaningful learning targets, identify appropriate task verbs, engage students through phenomena, and design lessons and assessments that support three-dimensional science learning.  Along the way, you'll examine practical resources, reflect on your own teaching, and share ideas with other science teachers.

By the end of the course, you will have designed a complete, standards-aligned instructional unit that is ready to implement in your classroom.  My goal is for you to leave this course with a greater confidence in interpreting the North Dakota Science Standards. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the purpose and organization of the North Dakota Science Standards.
• Interpret and unpack science standards into teachable components (Learning Targets)
• Analyze the relationship among the three-dimensions of science learning (DCI, SEP, CCC)
• Write clear, standards aligned learning targets using measurable task verbs and appropriate levels of Bloom's Taxonomy.
• Design instruction around authentic phenomena.
• Develop coherent lesson sequences that align learning activities with intended outcomes.
• Design a complete, standards-aligned instructional unit that integrates curriculum, instruction and assessment. 

Questions? Contact: Susan Duffy at  sduffy@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

Upon completion, participants will register for 1 graduate credit through VCSU.