April 1, 2018 (Vol. 38, No. 7)
URL:
Rating:
Strong Points: Easy to navigate interface, offline access to standards
Weak Points: Much of material requires internet access
Platform:
iPad/iPhone/Android
Cost:
Free
Summary:
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are a recently developed set of blueprints for K-12 science education based on the National Research Council’s Framework for K-12 Science Education. The standards were developed with evidence-based best teaching practices in mind, so they are useful resources for scientists and educators even beyond the context of formal K-12 education. The NGSS app provides an elegant interface to access information about the standards, with the information organized in a variety of ways. For example, app users can view the standards organized by grade, conceptual progression, or subject. Conveniently, information about the standards themselves can be accessed offline. In addition, the app provides links to other online resources related to the standards, such as appendices to the released standards and resources provided by the National Science Teachers Association.