Crosscutting Concepts NGSS Introduction Stations

Introduce your students to the essential Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs) of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) with this engaging, low-prep station activity designed for high school science. Perfect for grades 9–12, this resource helps students explore the big ideas that connect all areas of science—setting the stage for three-dimensional (3D) learning from the very first week of class.

Whether you teach biology, chemistry, or any high school science course, these stations offer a meaningful and interactive way to build understanding of the NGSS framework while promoting inquiry learning and problem solving.

What’s Included:

• 47 pages of ready-to-print station materials
• 7 unique stations, each aligned to a specific NGSS Crosscutting Concept
• Differentiation notes for supporting diverse learners (ELL, below grade level, honors)
• Flexible setup instructions (use as individual stations or rotation-style)
• Easy-to-use PDF format – just print and go!
  

Crosscutting Concepts Covered:

• Patterns
• Cause and Effect
• Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
• Systems and System Models
• Energy and Matter
• Structure and Function
• Stability and Change

These CCCs provide a unifying lens for students to understand science concepts across all disciplines.

How to Use:

• Back-to-school introduction activity
• Pre-assessment before students apply CCCs in labs or assessments
• Station rotation or whole-class exploration
• Sub plan, early finisher activity, or collaborative lesson
  

Why Teachers Love It:

• Aligned with NGSS for high school
• Supports 3D learning and deep conceptual understanding
• Encourages critical thinking, connection-making, and transfer of knowledge
• Differentiated for all learners with clear teacher guidance
  

Set the tone for a year of connected, inquiry-driven science with this Crosscutting Concepts Introduction—an essential tool for making 3-dimensional learning approachable and effective from day one.