This document expounds on the relationship between the Nature of Science and new science standards.

This microcredential is the first in the Nature of Science and Engineering microcredential stack. This stack, when completed, meets Requirement Area #1 of the Elementary Science Endorsement. Through this microcredential, educators: Demonstrate conceptual understandings of the key aspects of the Nature of Science. Identify discourse and reflective experiences of the Nature of Science in order to explain how scientific knowledge is developed and communicated, used to influence social and economic decisions, and improves life. Explain the history of science as a valuable context to understand the structure of and access to science learning.

This microcredential is the second in the Nature of Science and Engineering microcredential stack. This stack, when completed, meets Requirement Area #1 of the Elementary Science Endorsement. Through this microcredential, educators: Demonstrate conceptual understandings of the key aspects of the Nature of Engineering, and Demonstrate foundational understandings of how the Nature of Science in concert with the Nature of Engineering influences individual and societal decision making and approaches to scientific literacy.

This microcredential is the third in the Nature of Science and Engineering microcredential stack. This stack, when completed, meets Requirement Area #1 of the Elementary Science Endorsement. Through this microcredential, educators: Demonstrate how the Nature of Science connects with three-dimensional science instruction and Prepare to enact three-dimensional science instruction that is based on authentic phenomena and problems and supports the development of students’ conceptual science understanding and scientific literacy.

This microcredential is the Fourth in the Nature of Science and Engineering microcredential stack. This stack, when completed, meets Requirement Area #1 of the Elementary Science Endorsement. Through this microcredential, educators demonstrate an ability to promote effective and equitable science instruction both in personal practice and in the science education community.

This Canvas-based course contains six modules: Introduction to the SEEd Standards, Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs), Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs), Engineering Design, and Using Phenomena. The course’s purpose is to support educators in understanding shifts to instruction that are required to effectively implement the Utah SEEd Standards The course is free for participants and is self-paced. K-12 educators may register at any point. Successful completion of the entire course is worth 2.0 USBE Credits. Credit will be assigned three times during the year.