Understanding and Unpacking the Science NJSLS

Explore the 3 dimensions of NJ Science standards to design engaging, real-world learning that inspires discovery.

This workshop provides educators with a comprehensive understanding of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science (NJSLS-S) across all grade levels, K–12. Participants will explore the structure and content of the standards. The session incorporates activities that encourage critical thinking, collaborative unpacking of standards, and discussion of real-world applications, including climate change and other NJ-specific mandates. Teachers are guided through how to apply these elements cohesively in curriculum design to support student engagement and success in science education

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Core Needs Addressed

  • Lack of familiarity with the revised NJSLS-Science standards and their three-dimensional framework.

  • Difficulty translating performance expectations into meaningful instructional practices.

  • Challenges in integrating NJ-specific mandates (e.g., climate change education, Amistad Law) into science instruction.

  • Misunderstandings regarding the progression and depth of scientific practices across grade levels.

Key Learnings

  1. Deep Understanding of Standards Structure
    Participants will gain clarity on the three dimensions of the NJSLS-S—Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts—and how these are integrated across all science domains and grade levels. They will also learn how to decode and interpret performance expectations for effective lesson planning.

  2. Application of Standards Through Instructional Design
    Educators will learn to unpack standards using a structured protocol to identify key terms, concepts, skills (verbs), and guiding questions. This supports lesson development that addresses all components of a standard, encourages inquiry, and aligns with student learning goals.

  3. Integration of Real-World Issues and Mandates
    Teachers will be equipped with strategies to incorporate climate change performance expectations and interdisciplinary mandates (e.g., Amistad, Holocaust, and LGBT+ education laws) into science lessons in a meaningful and age-appropriate way, ensuring both compliance and relevance to students’ lives

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Understanding and Unpacking the Science NJSLS

Explore the 3 dimensions of NJ Science standards to design engaging, real-world learning that inspires discovery.

Led by our team of Instructional Strategists

Learning Path

Last Updated

May 1, 2026 11:48 AM

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Designed for School Leaders asking...

How can we implement the NJSLS-S with fidelity to produce measurable gains in student achievement and scientific thinking?

What systems will ensure instruction consistently integrates the three dimensions—core ideas, practices, and crosscutting concepts—to deepen student understanding?

How do we build teacher capacity to design cohesive, real-world science learning experiences that improve engagement and long-term outcomes?

This workshop helped me better understand the challenges families face and gave me practical strategies to strengthen communication and engagement. I now feel more confident in building supportive partnerships with families to improve student success.

Jen Soloman

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Delivering Powerful Learning Experiences

As a result of this work

As a result of this work, educators will strengthen their understanding of the NJSLS for Science and their three-dimensional structure, ensuring aligned, rigorous, and engaging science instruction across grade levels. Teachers will leave with practical strategies, unpacking protocols, and curriculum design approaches that integrate disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts, along with real-world applications such as climate change.

Workshop Description

This workshop provides educators with a comprehensive understanding of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science (NJSLS-S) across all grade levels, K–12. Participants will explore the structure and content of the standards. The session incorporates activities that encourage critical thinking, collaborative unpacking of standards, and discussion of real-world applications, including climate change and other NJ-specific mandates. Teachers are guided through how to apply these elements cohesively in curriculum design to support student engagement and success in science education

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Designed for Today's Schools

Customized
Expert-led
In-person, virtual, or asynchronous
Standards Aligned
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Nationwide

Educators will confidently

Educators will deepen their understanding of the New Jersey science standards and align curriculum around the three dimensions of science instruction. This work supports consistent, standards-aligned instruction across classrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes your workshops different from traditional professional development or other providers?

Our approach goes beyond one-size-fits-all professional development. We hold ourselves to rigorous standards of quality and delivery in every client interaction, ensuring that each experience is meaningful, relevant, and impactful. We don’t just deliver workshops—we build long-term partnerships with schools and districts, working alongside educators to improve instructional practices and student outcomes over time.

We actively listen to educators’ unique contexts and experiences, using that insight to collaboratively design tailored solutions rather than pre-packaged sessions. Our team asks thoughtful questions, challenges assumptions, and continuously learns so we can help redefine what’s possible in teaching and learning.

Above all, we communicate authentically, foster positive and productive relationships, and bring a deep passion and commitment to education. The result is professional learning that feels purposeful, personalized, and truly transformative.

Who are your workshops designed for?

Our workshops are designed for educators and school leaders, including teachers, instructional coaches, school administrators, and district teams. Each session is tailored to the specific audience to ensure content is relevant, practical, and immediately applicable.

What does a typical workshop look like?

Our workshops are interactive, engaging, and grounded in real classroom practice. Each experience is intentionally designed using the principles of andragogy, sound instructional design, and the core constructs of effective professional development to ensure relevance, coherence, and impact. Participants engage in discussion, reflection, planning, and application activities — not just passive listening. Educators leave with concrete strategies and next steps they can implement right away.

How long are your workshops?

We offer flexible formats, including half-day, full-day, and multi-session series. We can also design ongoing professional learning experiences to support sustained implementation over time.

What delivery methods are available for your workshops?

We offer flexible delivery options to meet the needs of schools and districts, including in-person sessions, live virtual workshops, and asynchronous learning through our applied learning platform. Regardless of format, all experiences are designed to be interactive, engaging, and collaborative, with structures that promote meaningful participation and application of learning.

What kind of follow-up support is available?

We believe professional learning is most effective when it’s sustained. In addition to workshops, we offer instructional coaching, implementation planning, and follow-up sessions to help teams translate learning into practice and drive meaningful results.

Who facilitates the workshops?

Inspired Instruction’s workshops are facilitated by a nationwide team of expert Instructional Strategists.  Our facilitators bring diverse experience as classroom educators, instructional coaches, principals, directors, and superintendents, spanning all content areas. We thoughtfully match your specific needs with a facilitator whose expertise aligns to ensure the learning experience is relevant, practical, and impactful for your staff.

How much does it cost to bring a workshop to my school or district?

We offer a range of pricing options designed to meet the needs of different schools and districts. Our Client Directors work closely with you to understand your goals, scope, and budget, and will partner with you to design a high-quality professional learning experience that fits within your financial framework.

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