NGSS Engineering Design

Making sense of phenomena and solving problems while deepening student engagement.

The TE hands-on activities featured here, by grade, focus on the engineering design component of the Next Gen standards.

Why NGSS Engineering Design for K-12 Youth?

Engineering design promotes vital problem solving skills through project-based learning, while strengthening critical thinking skills. Engineering design-aligned curricula help develop students’ engineering habits of mind and design thinking by tying together multiple disciplines, and students working in teams to solve real-life problems they are passionate about!

The NGSS provide a foundation in engineering design that encourages students to design a wide range of solutions to problems that arise from phenomena. Anchoring learning in making sense of phenomena and using explanations of phenomena to design solutions well prepares K-12 students for college and careers.

What is Next Gen Three Dimensional Learning?

The NGSS are based on three dimensional learning. As outlined in the Framework, students make sense of phenomena by using Science and Engineering Practices (dimension 1) and applying Crosscutting Concepts (dimension 2), as well as Disciplinary Core Ideas (dimension 3). The integration of these three dimensions, all in service of making sense of phenomena, illustrates the importance — and interdependence — of content knowledge and practices that engage students both in scientific inquiry and engineering design.