Computer Science Concepts in the Next Generation Science Standards

• In Event: 26.081 - Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: 26.081-3 - Division C Section 1e: Development of Assessments in Computer Science and Engineering Education

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as part of a domain analysis of computer science and computational thinking concepts. We are using a systematic process (evidence-centered design) to develop assessments for an introductory secondary computer science curriculum. We analyzed and modeled computational thinking and computer science concepts and identified core computational thinking practices as defined in the literature, curriculum standards, and related courses. These practices were mapped to the framework document that preceded the standards and then to the NGSS themselves. We provide an overview of the practices, a review of the NGSS to detect where computer-science related concepts are (or could be) found, and discuss our mapping of the practices against the standards.

Authors

• Marie Bienkowski, SRI International

• Daisy Wise Rutstein, SRI International

• Eric B. Snow, SRI International