Inspiration: Science Phenomena

Website of Phenomena for Science

TJ McKenna and Chris Zieminski are the creators of the “Phenomena for NGSS” website, which compiles intriguing pictures and short clips of fascinating phenomena for students and teachers alike to ponder. NGSS stands for the “Next Generation Science Standards”—the current national standards guiding science instruction from K-12. As a former biology and chemistry teacher, I have had two years of practical experience experimenting with and helping to design the curriculum for high school chemistry for the state of Connecticut. In writing that curriculum, I remember referencing this website of phenomena because I loved how these visuals spark curiosity and create an aura of magic surrounding science. For the same reason, I have decided to include this website as part of the inspiration for queering science education. Curiosity and magic are what we need more of in science, and in schools in general.

Here is an excerpt from the website about the story behind the use of phenomena (click here for the full story):

TJ first commented on early drafts of NGSS and became very interested in education because of the way the Next Generation Science Standards capture what it is like to think like a scientist in authentic ways.  Now, drawing on his background as a research scientist and his 7 years of on-air television work, phenomena has become a major way he engages students and teacher learners (both pre-service & in-service) with core science ideas that they want to figure out.  Because the NGSS reflect how TJ thinks about science, he hopes that through curating a cache of phenomena this will open conversations and  with educators across the nation who are hoping to create the next generation of student engagement in science.