Planning and carrying out an investigation is an important science and engineering practice as described by the Framework of K–12 Science Education. It states, "Scientists and engineers investigate and observe the world with essentially two goals: (1) to systematically describe the world and (2) to develop and test theories and explanations of how the world works. In the first, careful observation and description often lead to identification of features that need to be explained or questions that need to be explored." (Framework, page 59)

We want our students thinking, acting, and communicating the way scientists do. In this issue we see how kindergarten students carry out investigations as citizen scientists. At the high school level, Heather Johnston leads her students into complex learning about nucleon interactions.

Enjoy this issue, and let us know if any of these ideas work for you; drop us a note at nextgennavigator@nsta.org