The literature review investigated the significance of student engagement.

What defines student engagement? What effective learning strategies are best for facilitating student engagement? The research also looks at three learning models: competence-based learning support; project-based learning, and inquiry-based learning. The objectives of this research was to understand the importance of student engagement and applying a science curriculum to facilitate teaching science at the high school level.

This research project synthesizes science curriculum for applying two principal objectives for the K-12 science education in the 21st century. The two frameworks according to the National Research Council (2012) are as follows: “Educating all students in science and engineering and providing the foundational knowledge for those who will become the scientists, engineers, technologists, and technicians of the future.” (Council, 2012, p. 10).

To effectively apply those educational teaching strategies and to increase learning for all our students, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) applied with the NGSS (next generation science standards) will facilitate student engagement learning.

The project would integrate best methods and practices for implementing a STEM- and NGSS-curriculum oriented toward real-world phenomena, experience, practice, and affective skills development to facilitate student learning, curriculum planning, instruction, and assessments of these competences that reflect actual classroom practice.