Interpreting the Four Dimensional Ecology Education Framework from a science education research perspective

NARST is an international research association committed to improving science education through research. Recently, science education researchers have directed extensive effort to explorations of NGSS dimensions of science learning: disciplinary core ideas, science practices, and cross-cutting concepts. The 4DEE framework aligns well with the NGSS dimensions but adds a focus on “Human-Environment Interactions.” While human interactions is embedded in some NGSS standards, many science education researchers identify this as an area that requires additional attention. Important opportunities exist for the two communities (ESA and NARST) to work together to better understand and promote multi-dimensional science/ecology teaching and learning.