Rigor does not mean piling on more work or making things excessively difficult. It is about creating an environment where students are challenged to think deeply, apply their knowledge, and develop a robust understanding of scientific concepts. Below is a list of resources to support rigor in the science classroom.

1. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education: must be a priority for schools to keep our country competitive in an increasingly complex global job market. School administrators and teachers that implement an engaging STEM curriculum and lessons in the classroom will prepare students with 21st Century Skills: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity + Compassion. These skills complement the current rigor needed for today’s classrooms. Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) | Riverside County Office of Education (rcoe.us)

2. Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): NGSS provides a framework for K-12 science education, emphasizing deeper understanding through inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and real-world applications. The RCOE NGSS website offers detailed standards and resources for educators. Science | Riverside County Office of Education (rcoe.us)

3. Project-Based Learning (PBL) Resources: PBL engages students in real-world, inquiry-based projects that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Project-based learning is one of the pillars of the STEM Excellence pathway. Encouraging students to engage in PBL experiences automatically increases the cognitive rigor they encounter in the classroom. STEM Excellence Pathway | Riverside County Office of Education (rcoe.us)

4. Understanding by Design (UbD) by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe: This framework focuses on designing curriculum with "backward design," starting with the end goals in mind. It emphasizes essential questions, big ideas, and transferable skills. Their books and website provide valuable insights into designing rigorous science lessons. UbD.Quikvue.10.05.indd (edutopia.org)

5. Bloom's Taxonomy: This classic educational framework categorizes learning into different levels, from basic recall to higher order thinking skills like analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Applying Bloom's Taxonomy in lesson planning can help increase rigor by challenging students to engage in higher-order thinking.  Using Bloom's Taxonomy in Science | Lesson Planet

6. NSTA Resources: The National Science Teaching Association offers a wealth of resources, including journals, books, lesson plans, and professional development opportunities. These resources are designed by educators and experts to enhance the rigor of science education. Homepage | NSTA

7. Peer-Reviewed Journals and Research: Educational research articles and journals like the "Journal of Research in Science Teaching" or "Science Education" often feature studies and insights into effective teaching practices that enhance rigor in science classrooms. Journal of Research in Science Teaching | Wiley

8. Educational Technology Tools: Platforms and tools like PhET Interactive Simulations, Labster, or virtual labs from universities offer immersive, hands-on experiences that can supplement classroom learning, adding rigor through practical application and experimentation. PhET: Free online physics, chemistry, biology, earth science and math simulations (colorado.edu)

9. Professional Development Workshops and Conferences: Participating in workshops or conferences focused on science education can provide educators with new strategies, ideas, and connections with other educators to enhance rigor in their classrooms. Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) | Riverside County Office of Education (rcoe.us), California STEAM Initiatives - Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation (cdefoundation.org), :: Home (cascience.org)