Impacts of COVID-19 on K–8 Science Instruction and Enactment of the Next Generation Science Standards

• In Event: Contemporary Science Teaching and Learning: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

Huge shifts in science teaching have occurred due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, as teachers are attempting to implement NGSS-aligned science instruction through distance learning. Preliminary findings from a national survey of K-8 science teachers in Spring 2020 indicate decreased student engagement and learning through distance learning, and significant decreases in teachers’ ability to provide hands-on learning experiences and give students ownership of their learning. The implications of this shift are widespread and could lead to gaps in student science understanding and interest that will be difficult to narrow. We also provide examples of high-quality, three-dimensional instruction adapted for distance learning from teachers who reported increased student engagement and science learning, and suggestions for successful science distance learning.

Authors

• Ashley Iveland, WestEd

• Melissa Rego, WestEd

• Meghan Macias, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Maya Salcido White, WestEd

• Elizabeth Arnett, WestEd