The mission of National Geographic is to inspire people to care about the planet. We support that mission through the legacy of scientific research and exploration that has been a part of National Geographic for over 125 years. Today, it is one of the most well-respected and relevant companies, always in front of global issues that impact us all. With access to millions of digital images and engaging National Geographic video, we are able to provide students a view of science that taps into their natural wonder, awe, and delight of the scientific world.

Developed specifically for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), National Geographic Exploring Science covers 100% of the NGSS for Grades K-5 to ensure student science success for the 21st century. Combine instruction in Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts to meet the rigor of the NGSS.

  • Focus in-depth on 100% of the NGSS for grades K-5
  • Introduce real-world science research with National Geographic Explorers, scientists, and photographers
  • Connect concise content with investigations, engineering practices, and case studies for complete NGSS emersion

Authentic Content Built From The NGSS

Our expert authors and editors developed Exploring Science from the ground-up. The content and hands-on activities are based exclusively on the NGSS; all of the content is authentic and newly written since the release of the NGSS.

Our expert authors and National Geographic Explorers bring real-world science practices directly to students.

  • We have exclusive access to these Explorers
  • They inspire students to real-world scenarios
  • Give message to students that science is exciting!!!
  • Inspiring about careers in science, they CAN be scientists

Print & eBooks

  • Kindergarten – 3 Big Books
  • Grades 1-5 – 1 Book
  • Student engagement with compelling images
  • NGSS printed on each page
  • Hands-on investigations
  • Guide students in mastering Performance Expectations and Disciplinary Core Ideas
  • Simple materials most classrooms already have or are easy to obtain
  • Think Like a Scientist sections develop real-life science skills
  • Developing Models
  • Making Observations
  • Obtaining Information
  • Planning Investigations
  • Making an Argument
  • Think Like an Engineer sections guide instruction in the Engineering Practices
  • Uses examples of hypothetical problems for students to consider and design solutions
  • Case Studies introduce Explorers and scientists as they tackle real-world problems

Think Like a Scientist and Think Like An Engineer sections mirror the eight Science and Engineering Practices from the NGSS

  1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
  2. Developing and using models
  3. Planning and carrying out investigations
  4. Analyzing and interpreting data
  5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
  6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
  7. Engaging in argument from evidence
  8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
  • Teacher’s Guides provide everything needed to successfully implement the NGSS
  • 5E model Literacy Connections for every lesson
  • Classroom Management for Investigations
  • Differentiation, Science Misconceptions, ELL Support, Science Background
  • Assessment provided in Evaluate questions and Rubrics

Promotes using a Science Notebooks

  • Science Notebooks are an integral part of the NG Science program.
  • Use a Science Notebook because…
  • Writing in science improves student understanding of science content and process.
  • Using a science notebook improves reading comprehension scores on standardized tests.
  • A SN gives students an opportunity to record observational data and develop inquiry skills while serving as a context for developing literacy.
  • Real scientists record their observations and share their data with colleagues, etc…
  • Three key elements you want to have students record in their Science Notebooks.
  • Notes and thoughts about the Big Ideas
  • New vocabulary that students are learning
  • Observations and notes they take during their Inquiry activities

NG Experience in Science

Built upon 4 fundamental attributes:

  1. Immerse students in the nature of science – not a separate component, but rather a true integration of the practices of science and engineering as students learn to think and act like real scientists.
  2. Unlock the Big Ideas in Science for All learners – though clearly stated and focused objectives along with resources to allow access to the content and concepts, NG Science creates an engaging science experience for all students.
  3. Build Scientific and Content Literacy – students learn not only concepts and principles of science, but also cultivate the ability to use reading and writing for the acquisition of new content in the discipline of science.
  4. Integrated STEM Inquiry - math, engineering, and technology perspectives are found throughout the program

The NG Science author team is made of leading experts in the field.

  • Randy L. Bell, Ph.D.
  • Kathy Cabe Trundle, Ph.D.
  • Malcolm B. Butler, Ph.D.
  • Judith Sweeney Lederman, Ph.D.
  • Nell K. Duke, Ed.D.
  • David W. Moore, Ph.D.

Kindergarten

  • Life Science = Plants/Animals
  • Earth Science = Day & Night/Weather & Seasons
  • Physical Science = Observing Objects/How Things Move

Content

  • Big Idea Big Books
  • Focuses on the core content by centering around the Big Idea

Inquiry

  • Inquiry Big Book
  • Provides instructions for performing an activity

Literacy

  • Become an Expert
  • 3 reading levels
  • Form student expert teams and dive deeper into big idea
  • Explore on Your Own
  • 3 reading levels
  • Flexibility to extend the big idea
  • 12 titles and 8 copies of each title = Total 96 Books

Grades 1 and 2, you’ll find the same three basics, Content, Inquiry, and Literacy addressed by providing both BIG BOOKS and Student books in size and scope appropriate for smaller hands.

Teachers have up to 12 different units to choose from depending on their standards or interests, 4 units in Life Science, 4 in Earth Science, and 4 in Physical Science with concepts from math and engineering integrated throughout.

Content

  • Big Idea Big and small Books
  • focuses on the core content by centering around the Big Idea

Inquiry

  • Science Inquiry Big and small Book
  • Provides instructions for performing an activity

Literacy

  • Become an Expert
  • 3 reading levels
  • Form student expert teams and dive deeper into big idea
  • Explore on Your Own
  • 3 reading levels
  • Flexibility to extend the big idea
  • 8 titles and 8 copies of each title = Total 64 Books

Grades 3, 4 and 5, students are ready for a more traditional approach to learn the big ideas of life, earth and physical science each in a separate volume. Of course, you’ll still find components for scientific inquiry and literacy, but now they take on a more sophisticated look and design appropriate for upper elementary students. In this program, one size definitely does NOT fit all! You’ll notice how student now have Explore On Your Own books that look and feel like the familiar National Geographic Magazine, but these books come in two reading levels, a Pioneer Edition for low to at grade level readers, and a Pathfinder Edition for on-level to above grade level readers.

Content

  • Big Idea Book
  • 1 Book for each Life, Earth and Physical
  • Focuses on the core content by centering around the Big Idea

Inquiry

  • Science Inquiry & Writing Book
  • 4 levels of inquiry (explore, directed, guided, open)
  • “Science in a Snap” – quick activities to engage students
  • “Think Like a Scientist” – build understanding of the Nature of Science
  • “Write Like a Scientist” – practice scientific writing

Literacy

  • Explore on Your Own
  • 9 titles of Pioneer (low)
  • 9 titles of Pathfinder (on-level to above)
  • 18 titles and 8 copies of each title = Total 144 Books

Science Notebooks

  • Science Notebooks are an integral part of the NG Science program.
  • Use a Science Notebook because…
  • Writing in science improves student understanding of science content and process.
  • Using a science notebook improves reading comprehension scores on state standardized tests.
  • A SN gives students an opportunity to record observational data and develop inquiry skills while serving as a context for developing literacy.
  • Real scientists record their observations and share their data with colleagues, etc….
  • Three key elements you want to have students record in their Science Notebooks.
  • Notes and thoughts about the Big Ideas
  • New vocabulary that students are learning
  • Observations and notes they take during their Inquiry activities

myNGconnect.com

  • Online lesson planner – tailor and easily schedule instruction
  • Online professional development – best practices from authors and teachers
  • Teacher eEdition – digital version w/ links to videos, Assessment and Learning Masters
  • Classroom presentation tool – project all print materials and visuals
  • Student eEdition – interactive digital editions
  • NG digital library – videos, images, simulations
  • Vocabulary games – fun engagement with unit vocabulary
  • Enrichment activities – interactive resources expand science concepts
  • Research links – NG Explorer magazine and NG Kids sites
  • Compatible with iPads

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