Interactive word walls for 3D learning: Visually representing the NGSS in elementary science methods courses

Abstract Even though the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) were released over a decade ago, science is still infrequently taught in early childhood and elementary classrooms. A lack of teacher confidence due to inadequate content knowledge may be a contributing factor, making access to high‐quality elementary science methods courses even more imperative. This article highlights preservice elementary teachers’ use of an interactive word wall, an instructional strategy that explicitly documented their experiences with disciplinary core ideas, scientific and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts. Students enrolled in four undergraduate elementary science methods sections participated in the creation, implementation, and evaluation of their classroom's interactive word wall. Through written assignments, classroom discussions, and photographic documentation, students helped to identify seven benefits of using this strategy while collaboratively building their interactive word walls. This article describes the process of setting up the word walls, the students’ choices during the construction of the walls, and their reflections on the benefits and challenges associated with using an interactive word wall at the university level. This article provides teacher educators with a strategy to strengthen students’ understanding of the NGSS framework and encourages preservice teachers to reflect upon how to use this strategy in their future classrooms.