The ASET Toolkit is a Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) planning toolkit designed to help science educators plan lessons and units that integrate the 3 dimensions outlined in the Framework (NRC, 2012). The tools are not meant to be used in isolation, but with peers to promote discourse for understanding the goals and aligning instruction for the NGSS.

The toolkit includes:

  • Dialogic tools that foster and support deepening awareness and understanding of how to make the significant shifts in instruction, learning, and formative assessment required by the new science reform documents, and
  • Analytical tools for revising existing and/or developing new curriculum that better supports 3-dimensional teaching, learning, and formative assessment of student learning.

The toolkit was developed by the ASE NIC as part of the Next Gen ASET Project.

The toolkit

Click on the tools below for more information about them and tips on how to best utilize them

A one-page graphic organizer to help ground discussions of curriculum and instruction in the dimensions of the NGSS, while linking these to larger topics generally discussed as part of instructional planning.

3D Mapping Tool Introduction Video

For closed captioning click here

A set of eight tools for each grade band with guiding criteria to support understanding of each individual SEP. The criteria outlined help identify specific components of a SEP to hone objectives in a given lesson or unit.

SEP Tools Introduction Video

For closed captioning click here

A tool that provides explicit criteria with which to evaluate phenomena, to help support identification of phenomena for lessons aligned with the vision of NGSS.  This tool can be used with the 3-dimensional mapping tool or on its own.

Phenomenon Tool
    Tool Quick Links

    3-Dimensional Planning Tool (3D Map)

    Science and Engineering Practice Tools (SEP Tools) by grade band

    SEP 1: Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
    Grades K-2, 3-5 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) |  Grades 6-8 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) | Grades 6-8, 9-12 (pdf) (fillable-pdf)
    SEP 2: Developing and using models
    Grades K-2, 3-5 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) |  Grades 6-8 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) | Grades 6-8, 9-12 (pdf) (fillable-pdf)
    SEP 3: Planning and carrying out investigations
    Grades K-2, 3-5 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) |  Grades 6-8 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) | Grades 6-8, 9-12 (pdf) (fillable-pdf)
    SEP 4: Analyzing and interpreting data
    Grades K-2, 3-5 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) |  Grades 6-8 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) | Grades 6-8, 9-12 (pdf) (fillable-pdf)
    SEP 5: Using mathematics and computational thinking
    Grades K-2, 3-5 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) |  Grades 6-8 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) | Grades 6-8, 9-12 (pdf) (fillable-pdf)
    SEP 6: Constructing explanations (for science)
    Grades K-2, 3-5 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) |  Grades 6-8 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) | Grades 6-8, 9-12 (pdf) (fillable-pdf)
    SEP 6: designing solutions (for engineering)
    Grades K-2, 3-5 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) |  Grades 6-8 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) | Grades 6-8, 9-12 (pdf) (fillable-pdf)
    SEP 7: Engaging in argument from evidence
    Grades K-2, 3-5 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) |  Grades 6-8 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) | Grades 6-8, 9-12 (pdf) (fillable-pdf)
    SEP 8: Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
    Grades K-2, 3-5 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) |  Grades 6-8 (pdf) (fillable-pdf) | Grades 6-8, 9-12 (pdf) (fillable-pdf)

    Click here to access the set of SEP Tools designed for use in the STEM Teacher and Researcher (STAR) program workshops

    NOTE: This toolkit is continually evolving and may have changes or additions made as new resources are developed.