A new free elementary science curriculum now available nationwide could reshape how young students learn science — and a Michigan State University professor helped lead its development.
Amelia Wenk Gotwals, a professor in MSU’s College of Education, played a central role in developing OpenSciEd, an open-access K–5 science curriculum aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, or NGSS, as well as key components of Common Core math and English language arts standards. The materials are now freely available to educators across the United States and globally.
Gotwals co-led development of all K–2 materials with Tanya Wright, former MSU professor, and served as head of assessment for the full K–5 curriculum, leading the design of tools to help teachers evaluate student learning.