NGSS Tools

NGSS Tools

Tools to help educators meet the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and deepen learning   Handouts / Tables / Matrices that Summarize the NGSS “Three Dimensions of NGSS” “Disciplinary Core Ideas in the NGSS” “Inside the NGSS...
Sustainability Education Resources

Sustainability Education Resources

Climate Change, Climate Justice + Sustainability lesson plans and supporting resources: Free lesson plans and supporting resources from the Bay Area Environmental-STEM Institute (BAESI) Green Ninja Curriculum (NGSS-approved for middle school; project-based approach)...
Integrating Climate Change + Other Earth Science Topics with Biology + Physical Science

Integrating Climate Change + Other Earth Science Topics with Biology + Physical Science

BAESI is developing a series of lesson plans designed to help teachers integrate climate change and other Earth science concepts with the other sciences. Part of our motivation stems from a desire to help high school teachers integrate these critically important...
Albedo, Melting Ice, and Feedback Loops Lesson Plan

Albedo, Melting Ice, and Feedback Loops Lesson Plan

In BAESI’s new “Albedo, Melting Ice, and Feedback Loops Lesson Plan” lesson, students gain experience with the scientific method while they do two experiments to learn about how changing the reflectivity of Earth’s surface materials and feedback...
Modeling Seafloor Spreading Lesson Plan

Modeling Seafloor Spreading Lesson Plan

In BAESI’s new “Modeling Seafloor Spreading” lesson, students create models which show the formation of new oceanic crust through seafloor spreading and its destruction in subduction zones. They incorporate the concept of magnetic polarity reversal...
Modeling the Formation of Ocean Currents

Modeling the Formation of Ocean Currents

In BAESI’s new “Modeling the Formation of Ocean Currents” lesson, students do experiments with models of ocean saltwater, cold seawater, and warm water to help them understand how cold water and salty water are denser than warm and less salty water....
Carbon Travels—Then and Now

Carbon Travels—Then and Now

In BAESI’s new “Carbon Travels–Then and Now” lesson plan and simulation, students play the role of carbon atoms to learn about the carbon cycle and how it is changing. Adapted from the Carbon Travels activity at STEM Earth Central, students create two...
Pika Models + Climate Change Lesson Plan

Pika Models + Climate Change Lesson Plan

BAESI’s new “Pika Models + Climate Change” lesson plans are adapted from the 2016 Science Framework for California Public Schools (pp. 839-841). Students explore the life of pikas, tiny mammals that live in alpine areas, and how they are being...