# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our approach is Inquiry-based
SciTech Kids' curriculum brings STEAM to life through a student-centered approach that uses the power of inquiry and play to create captivating science experiences.

In each class, children are introduced to a topic, empowered to ask questions,, observe, hypothesize, experiment, test, and reflect and participate in a hands-on activity that teaches science in a fun, interactive manner. The kids' questions and ideas are at the center of the learning experience. And our expert instructors are equipped to answer their questions.

Our curriculum covers various branches of science including biology, chemistry, physics, paleontology, forensics, electronics, ecology, botany, and astronomy. We also integrate science with language arts, geography, art, design, and music.

Our approach is Project-based
In each SciTech Kids class, children participate in a fun, hands-on activity that centers on experimenting, tinkering, designing, or innovating. The activity requires kids to think critically and solve problems by working individually and collaborating with their peers.

We reinforce the science content through videos, mobile devices, gadgets, apps, interactive games, digital media, field trips, science experts, and collaborations in real time with kids around the world.

Students are also taught to collect and record data, plan investigations, and make scientific predictions. In addition to writing about their observations and results in a journal, kids are encouraged to communicate through drawing, charts, graphs, and 3-D models.
Our approach is Integrated
The SciTech Kids Method is an innovative approach to science education that integrates inquiry-based learning, project-based learning and integrated learning into a dynamic and cohesive framework. Led by our highly trained instructors, classes focus not only on the science content and process but also on the real world applications of science. While experimenting with or completing a project, students develop skills that enable them to think critically and problem-solve.

Since our children's questions cross disciplinary boundaries, SciTech draws upon math, history, geography, music, and language arts, to provide a deeper and comprehensive understanding of science. Our curriculum also integrates these disciplines to help children achieve scientific literacy-the ability to speak more knowledgeably about scientific issues that impact our rapidly changing world.

Our carefully designed curriculum was developed by a team of science educators and with the help of scientists, researchers, and early childhood specialists.
Our approach is Invention-Focused
It's important to us that our students become scientifically literate at an early age. As they begin to understand the scientific world around them, they can appreciate topics such as global warming, earthquakes, cancer, climate changes, cloning, and genetically engineered food-all issues that directly affect their lives.
"Scientific literacy helps us understand and enjoy the world around us." -Kim Magloire

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our approach is Inquiry-based SciTech Kids' curriculum brings STEAM to life through a student-centered approach that uses the power of inquiry and play to create captivating science experiences.

# data[].attributes.headline
NGSS: What Parents Need to Know -Article

# data[].attributes.subject
NGSS: What Parents Need to Know -Article

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
PBIS, STEM News & Views

There's great news if you're a parent. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS, @OfficialNGSS) are here to simplify your kids' lives and science education.

NGSS are a set of standards designed to bring K-12 science education into the 21 st century. They were developed by 26 states along with partners across the nation like the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and released in 2013. Since the release, many states have voted to implement the standards in their school districts, including the recent addition of Michigan and Connecticut earlier this month (Michigan and Connecticut Adopt NGSS - Why It Matters So Much and Why Science Teachers Are Rejoicing).

In this post we'll talk about what they are, how they'll affect your child's education at school and at home, and where you can find more information about them.

The big idea of NGSS is this: focus on a limited number of core science ideas over a long time period (Kindergarten-12th grade) to create a foundation for students to better understand the world we live in.

By focusing on a limited number of concepts, these standards should help simplify what has become a convoluted, disparate, plug-and-chug style science education sure to make any talented educator wince. The goal is for science classrooms across the country to be more project-focused, hands-on, and student-directed. Ultimately, classrooms should more closely mimic how scientists and engineers work in real life.

These goals appear to be scientifically substantiated. In a 2014 randomized controlled trial funded by NSF, and published by the SRI International (How Curriculum Materials Make a Difference for Next Generation Science Learning), students who were taught using NGSS-aligned, Project-Based Inquiry Science™ ( PBIS) scored 8% higher on end-of-year tests than students taught using traditional instruction and were significantly more engaged in classroom activities. Unlike the traditional scientific method taught in most schools today, the study also found that students taught using PBIS did well regardless of their gender or ethnicity. The results of the study went viral in education media online as many teachers excitedly shared the good news that there is, indeed, a better way to reach students in STEM (Can Project-Based Learning Close Gaps in Science Education?).

What's "The Big Challenge" and What's NGSS Got To Do With It?

To demonstrate how students work using project-based, NGSS-aligned curriculum, It's About Time®'s ( IAT) production team put together two, short videos featuring PBIS teacher, Sharon Hushek, and her students at Ben Franklin Elementary School. In the first video, Hushek explains how students are introduced to "The Big Challenge" that they will be investigating (the way scientists do in real life). Take a look:

The next, two-minute video delves deeper into how Hushek's class investigates factors that affect soil erosion.

In this sample activity, students are expected to answer the following questions:

- What is the relationship between particle size and erosion?
- What is the relationship between slope of the land and erosion?

How does this relate to the new NGSS standards? For starters, the video displays the hands-on nature of the new curriculum. Students are asked to investigate a scientific idea and then challenged to measure, quantify, and describe factors influencing the phenomenon. They are encouraged to think critically and deduce reasonable explanations themselves.

Let's look at how this lesson aligns with the new NGSS. The curriculum is divided into three dimensions:

1. Disciplinary core ideas - These are the tools students use to make sense of the world. They can be applied to describe the behavior of multiple phenomena. In the sample lesson above, the disciplinary core idea is: how do macroscopic particles interact with one another under different conditions?

2. Science and engineering practices - This is related to real world science and engineering. How do scientists approach erosion? What questions do they ask and what tools would they use to investigate? In the video above, students are asked to show how particle size impacts travel velocity and displacement.

3. Crosscutting concepts - Broadly speaking, crosscutting concepts are ideas that apply across scientific disciplines. There are 7 in total. They are:

- cause and effect
- structure and function
- systems
- scale
- stability; and
- change energy and matter patterns

In the sample lesson above, crosscutting concepts include stability and change (how does a landscape change with weather patterns?), cause and effect (what's causing soil to move?), and systems (how does the composition of the soil, rain, and slope affect what's happening as whole?).

How is this different from science taught in most classrooms today? Most teachers use the scientific method as the teaching model. Here's what students are taught about it:

1st - Make an observation
2nd - Ask questions
3rd - Formulate a hypothesis
4th - Conduct an experiment
5th - Analyze data and draw conclusions

After being presented with the method, students are often tested to identify the dependent and independent variables, analyze graphs and charts, or recite the steps verbatim.

Everything exciting about science - the investigation, the hands-on problem solving, the real- world application - is removed. What's left is boring. It's neither theoretically compelling, nor practically applicable. From what I've seen working as a private science tutor in New York City, when science is learned in this way, students are turned away from the subject completely.

Unlike the scientific method, the NGSS aim to excite students about science. Instead of presenting ideas abstractly, the new model adds context by emphasizing real-world application.

K-12 Science Education Continuity

Another landmark feature of NGSS is their emphasis on the continuity of education. NGSS clearly outlines goals from year-to-year. For example, in A Framework for K-12 Education, the manual from which the new NGSS standards were created, a second grade student studying physical sciences is expected to know:

" Different kinds of matter exist (e.g., wood, metal, water), and many of them can be either solid or liquid, depending on temperature. Matter can be described and classified by its observable properties (e.g., visual, aural, textural), by its uses, and by whether it occurs naturally or is manufactured. Different properties are suited to different purposes. A great variety of objects can be built up from a small set of pieces (e.g., blocks, construction sets). Objects or samples of a substance can be weighed, and their size can be described and measured. (Boundary: volume is introduced only for liquid measure.) "

And a fifth grade student is expected to know similar concepts but at a deeper level:

" Matter of any type can be subdivided into particles that are too small to see, but even then the matter still exists and can be detected by other means (e.g., by weighing or by its effects on other objects). For example, a model showing that gases are made from matter particles that are too small to see and are moving freely around in space can explain many observations, including the inflation and shape of a balloon; the effects of air on larger particles or objects (e.g., leaves in wind, dust suspended in air); and the appearance of visible scale water droplets in condensation, fog, and, by extension, also in clouds or the contrails of a jet. The amount (weight) of matter is conserved when it changes form, even in transitions in which it seems to vanish (e.g., sugar in solution, evaporation in a closed container). Measurements of a variety of properties (e.g., hardness, reflectivity) can be used to identify particular materials. (Boundary: At this grade level, mass and weight are not distinguished, and no attempt is made to define the unseen particles or explain the atomic-scale mechanism of evaporation and condensation.) "

One of the most intriguing aspects is the continuity from kindergarten through 12th grade. Each year, the complexity of the ideas increases.

Joe Krajcik (Director of Create for STEM Institute, and one of the lead writers for the NGSS) says that "if [the students are] really going to develop understanding at a deep level, you have to develop it across time... At each step it's getting a little bit richer, a little bit richer."

Instead of learning discreet new ideas, students are taught one core set of principles which is explored progressively deeper. Importantly, this applies as much from lesson to lesson as it does from year to year.

For example, in the sample IAT lesson, students are challenged to work together to solve a problem. In lesson (1.1), they design a boat from aluminum foil to hold 6 keys and float for 20 seconds. In lesson (1.2), they discuss their boat design and iterate, collaborating with their fellow students to improve their boats performance. In lesson (1.3), they read about the science of boat design and to use what they learn to further improve their design. In final lesson (1.4), they present their findings to the class and questions and discussion are encouraged.

Overall, these lessons center around the theme: How do scientists work together to solve problems?

More than an arbitrary progression, they mimic real work. Students design, discuss, iterate, and then present their findings in a similar way that scientists conduct experiments, discuss their findings with their research group, improve their experiments, and then present their findings in a journal, or to their peers.

Reinforcing NGSS with Students At Home

According to the National Science Teachers Foundation (@NSTA):

"Studies show that family involvement is one of the biggest predictors of success in school. That's why parental involvement is so important. Seek opportunities to explore science at home and in the community with your child. Encourage them to keep asking questions, just like scientists. Let them know you don't have all the answers, and together try to find them."

In the sample boat building exercise, parents can discuss disciplinary core ideas like forces, gravity, buoyancy, and density (If unsure about these concepts, even a simple google or youtube search can lead to a fruitful discussion). They can engage their kids about science and engineering practices such as how scientists collaborate, iterate, and discuss the progression of the project. And they can talk about crosscutting concepts like stability and change, cause and effect, and systems.

The integration of the three dimensions should help both educators and parents more effectively collaborate. The increased attention to real world application and the focus on deeper knowledge is a welcome change from the scattered and often diffuse practices which persist now. Learning science should be fun and engaging for students and parents. The health of the science education system depends on how well teachers, parents, administrators, and students work together.

Parents can do family science activities like participating in citizen science adventures and incorporating fun activities during family vacations like geocaching. Try a few holiday science activities why students are off from school over the next couple of weeks (Holiday Science Projects).

IAT often shares great activities for students to try at home (like STEM Wars: The F=m(a) Awakens). And sites like Science Buddies offers investigative, NGSS-aligned science activities for students of all ages.

Additionally, the NSTA offers parents a guide to understanding and implementing NGSS with students at home (NGSS Parent Guide Q&A) as well as a great Resource Center with tools, books and tons of information.

When it comes to support for parents in understanding and implementing NGSS, there's no shortage of resources and tools! Offering students real-world, inquiry-based science learning that they'll enjoy can be done at school and at home!

Follow and chat with us in social media:

Latest posts by Joshua Manley (see all)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
3-Dimensional Learning in the NGSS: What Parents Need to Know

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PBIS, STEM News & Views There's great news if you're a parent. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS, @OfficialNGSS) are here to simplify your kids' lives and science education. NGSS are a set of standards designed to bring K-12 science education into the 21 st century.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students. One-hour tutorials are available in 45+ languages for all ages.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Trying an Hour of Code is a simple and fun way to introduce your child to computer science, perhaps for the very first time. Not only is computer science foundational to all fields of study, but recent studies show: children who study computer science perform better in other subjects, excel at problem-solving, and are 17% more likely to enroll in college.

You can join tens of millions of students worldwide in this global event. Together, we can inspire kids to learn, break stereotypes, and help children discover a newfound interest. Best of all, you already have everything you need to bring the Hour of Code into your home!

What do I need to get started?

The Hour of Code is simple to run - even for beginners. You don't need experience in computer science or teaching in order to facilitate a fun activity for your children that will get them both learning and laughing.

You can try the Hour of Code with a computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or completely unplugged! Here's how to get started.

1) Explore activities and tutorials.

There are countless Hour of Code activities available to you if you're working on a computer with internet access. We encourage you to take a look at some of your options ahead of time so that you can help guide your child towards exercises they'll enjoy.

All of our activities integrate problem-solving and critical-thinking with fun and creativity, but here are some student favorites:

Low-tech or no-tech?

If you'll be using limited or no technology, you can filter Hour of Code activities by selecting "No computers or devices" in the Classroom technology section.

You can also check out these short videos for more ideas on how to facilitate an unplugged activity at home!

2) Prepare ahead of time

Now that you have some tutorials in mind, it may be helpful to try these activities on your device before introducing them to your child.

More than one child at home?

Consider providing each of your children with headphones if they'll be working on separate devices. That way, they'll be able to play activities with sound without distracting each other.

If you'll only be using one device, or simply want to make your Hour of Code more interactive, try pair programming. Pair programming encourages children to work together. When they partner up, they help one another to problem-solve. They'll also see that computer science is social and collaborative.

Get the kids excited!

This is a great opportunity to add a new type of activity to your child's day. You can extend the fun beyond one tutorial with these suggestions:

Show them an inspirational video that features one of their favorite role models

Inspire them with a video on one of the many careers that computer science skills can lead to

Order some swag! You can choose from t-shirts, stickers, or even temporary tattoos. Share it with them right away to get them excited, or save it for the end of your Hour of Code as a special prize.

3) Tips for introducing your child to CS

It's okay if both you and your child are brand new to computer science. Here are some ideas to introduce your Hour of Code activity and get you both thinking about CS:

Explain ways that technology impacts our lives, with specific examples that may interest your child. For example, you could talk about medicine or connecting people virtually. Also, check out Code.org/CSforGood for suggested discussion questions.

Together, list everyday things that use code in order to work properly.

Have young women at home?

Here are our recommendations to help spark their interest in computer science. Pro-tip: You can start just by telling them they'd be great at it!

Problem-solve together

Lastly, when your child comes across difficulties it's okay to respond:

"I don't know. Let's figure this out together."

"Technology doesn't always work out the way we want."

"Learning to program is like learning a new language; you won't be fluent right away."

Computer science is all about learning how to "debug" situations that didn't turn out the way we thought they would. Together, you and your child can think of creative ways to solve the problem!

4) Don't forget to celebrate!

The Hour of Code is a global event, and your family deserves to celebrate. Here are some ways to make your Hour of Code extra special:

What comes after the Hour of Code?

Computer science doesn't have to end with the Hour of Code! While 90% of parents want their child to learn computer science, most schools still don't teach it. To help, our curriculum is web-based and free to use, forever. Learn how to bring CS to your child's school today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Trying an Hour of Code is a simple and fun way to introduce your child to computer science, perhaps for the very first time. Not only is computer science foundational to all fields of study, but recent studies show: children who study computer science perform better in other subjects, excel at problem-solving, and are 17% more likely to enroll in college.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Hour of Code

What is Hour of Code?

The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. Anyone, anywhere can organize an Hour of Code event or try any of the over 500+ one-hour tutorials, available in over 45 languages.

This year Hour of Code is exploring the limitless realms of creativity empowered by AI! Whether you or your students are experienced coders or you are setting out on your very first computer science expedition, this Hour of Code promises an extraordinary voyage.

There are several places you can start, choose which one is right for you and your students:

Lead an Hour of Code Activity

With more than 700 activities to choose from with classifications by grade level, experience, and inclusion of AI, your choices are vast. When you know your plans, please register your activity so we can celebrate all the events happening across the globe.

Grades: 2-12

Dance Party

It's time to strut your stuff! Create your own dance party featuring hits by Miley Cyrus, BTS, Lil Nas X, Harry Styles, Nicki Minaj, Rosalía, and more!

Grades: 3-12

AI for Oceans

Help A.I. clean the oceans by training it to detect trash! Learn about training data and bias, and how AI can address world problems.

Grades: 2-12

Minecraft

Build and explore with Minecraft! Learn basic computer science skills with lots of different Minecraft activities to choose from.

Learn How AI Works

Learn the inner workings of ChatGPT, computer vision, and other AI concepts, explained by the people who created these technologies through videos and accompanying lesson plans.

Lesson Plans: How AI Works

This series of short videos and accompanying in-classroom lessons will introduce you and your students to how artificial intelligence works and why it matters. You can choose individual lessons based on topic, explore the whole series of topics in one class or teach all 7 lessons to give a deeper dive.

Explore How AI Works

Engage with AI 101 for Teachers

AI 101 for Teachers is a five-part professional learning video series that will demystify AI, explore responsible implementation, address bias, and showcase how AI-powered learning can revolutionize student outcomes.

Video Series: AI 101 for Teachers

A free, foundational online learning series for any teacher and educator interested in the groundbreaking world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative potential in education.

Explore AI 101 for Teachers

Go beyond Hour of Code

Teach Computer Science

Join the global community of over 2 million educators empowering the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and digital citizens.

Learn more

Explore Our Curriculum

Tap into your students' full potential with Code.org's free, flexible, and fun Computer Science curriculum. There's something for every classroom.

View Curriculum Catalog

Start Professional Learning

Our free, self-paced modules help you develop your own understanding while preparing to teach computer science in your classroom.

Learn more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Use computer science to explore and learn about AI!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Join us in celebrating this year’s Computer Science Education Week by playing, designing and coding your very own retro arcade games!

Activities

[
    {
        "name": "2021 Hour of Code",
        "description": "Code a fire-fighting airtanker plane with Microsoft MakeCode Arcade that sprays water to put out the forest fires!",
        "url": "/hour-of-code-2021",
        "imageUrl": "https://pxt.azureedge.net/blob/f711614138ed21b91a61ac582c60beb73eb99f43/static/hour-of-code/2021/forest-skillmap-game.gif"
    },
    {
        "name": "2020 Hour of Code",
        "description": "Design game art, code a shark adventure, and play a logic game in these three hour-long activities!",
        "url": "/hour-of-code-2020",
        "imageUrl": "https://pxt.azureedge.net/blob/39e2010a815cef29f918be826c04dd37d12365f6/static/hour-of-code/2020/card.png"
    }
]

See also

2021 Hour of Code, 2020 Hour of Code

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join us in celebrating this year's Computer Science Education Week by playing, designing and coding your very own retro arcade games!

# data[].attributes.headline
How to read the Next Generation Science Standards

# data[].attributes.subject
How to read the Next Generation Science Standards

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
With many schools closed due to COVID-19, we know that parents and educators are looking for online learning resources for students. We've compiled a list of helpful resources that students can access to continue their computing education outside the classroom.

Live Streaming

Video Playlists

Online Tutorials and Projects

There are many different free self-paced tutorials and projects students can complete on their own. Here are a few examples.

Educator Resources

If you are an Educator doing remote learning with your students, here are some computing education resources and information that may help you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With many schools closed due to COVID-19, we know that parents and educators are looking for online learning resources for students. We've compiled a list of helpful resources that students can access to continue their computing education outside the classroom. There are many different free self-paced tutorials and projects students can complete on their own.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
CS First has been turned down - CS First Help

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Google’s CS First was turned down on June 30, 2025. When CS First launched in 2013, the intention was to provide much-needed resources for K-12 computer science education. The landscape has since evol

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

We have many ways to do Hour of Code at Khan Academy.

Hour of Drawing with Code

Learn how to program drawings using JavaScript by designing your very own snowman. Start drawing with code ›

Hour of Webpages

Learn how to make webpages with HTML tags and CSS, finishing up by making your very own greeting card. Start creating webpages ›

Hour of Databases

Like playing with data? Learn how to manipulate data in a database and make your own custom store. Start creating databases ›

"I have to admit that I was nervous about trying it, since I know nothing about coding...All of my students from grades 6-12 participated in the Hour of Code...Everyone loved it."

Mrs. Cassidy 6-12 Science Teacher

Hour of code in your classroom

The Hour of Code is a global movement by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries through a one-hour introduction to computer science and computer programming. Learn about the simple steps you can take to prepare your class for an Hour of Code.

Go beyond the hour

More JavaScript: Drawing and Animation

Learn how to use variables, make animations, store your data in arrays and objects, group your code into functions, and more!
Learn more ›

More HTML/CSS: Making Webpages

Learn more tags like links and tables, then learn more powerful css selectors and properties to completely re-style your page.
Learn more ›

More SQL: Querying and managing data

Learn more advanced ways to filter data, plus how to update data and combine data from multiple tables.
Learn more ›

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hour of Code on Khan Academy | Khan Academy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Anyone can learn to code! Spend an hour on Khan Academy learning to code, with our tutorials in JS, HTML, or SQL.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is Hour of Code™

Hour of Code™ is a global movement to introduce people of all ages to computer programming in a fun way. Tynker's Hour of Code™ games and activities can be taught during the December event, or year-round.

Your class will love Hour of Code with Tynker

Getting Started with Hour of Code games Is Quick and Easy!
Sign up today

Create your FREE account

Add students to your classroom

Tynker's Hour of Code activities

50+ fun coding activities to keep your students engaged, motivated, and rewarded as they learn programming the fun way!

No programming puzzle games experience is required of teachers or students!

Learn to program connected devices.

Teacher Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hour of Code | Coding Puzzles, AI and Games | Tynker

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn to code by playing fun coding game, puzzles & projects like Minecraft, Hot Wheels, Monster High, and many in Hour of Code activities. Tynker makes learning to code fun!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This is the default global natural language description of the content on the site pages.

# data[].attributes.body
Choose grade level and then choose CAST Training Test - Orange-

# data[].attributes.headline
California Alternate Assessments - Parent Guide

# data[].attributes.subject
California Alternate Assessments - Parent Guide