Implementing Three-Dimensional Learning in the Classroom

Many new science standards emphasize learning experiences that allow students to actively engage with science as they combine scientific practices with core concepts, investigate, and solve real-world problems. This shift toward scientific sensemaking brings three-dimensional learning into the spotlight for effective classroom instruction.

But what exactly is three-dimensional learning, and how can teachers encourage this type of learning with students?
 

What is three-dimensional learning?

The National Research Council (NRC) developed a Framework outlining science and engineering learning expectations for students in grades K-12. Strong science education includes three core dimensions, resulting in the name three-dimensional learning. What are the three dimensions of learning?

• Dimension 1: Science and Engineering Practices
• Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts
• Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and other state standards emphasize these three distinct but equally important dimensions of learning science.
 

What are science and engineering practices?

Science and engineering practices describe behaviors scientists engage in as they investigate and build models and theories about the natural world, along with engineers’ key set of practices used to design and build models and systems.

Students who engage with science and engineering practices think and act like scientists through active investigation, model building, and testing.

The practices include:

1. Asking questions and defining problems
2. Developing and using models
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Constructing explanations and designing solutions
7. Engaging in argumentation from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
    

What are crosscutting concepts?

Seven crosscutting concepts connect science disciplines and provide organizational tools for coherently relating new knowledge from various science fields. Crosscutting concepts apply across all areas of science and engineering and help students make connections between different disciplines to see the broader relevance of what they're learning.

These include:

1. Patterns
2. Cause and effect
3. Scale, proportion, and quantity
4. Systems and system models
5. Energy and matter
6. Structure and function
7. Stability and change
    

What are disciplinary core ideas?

Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) help focus science curricula and assessments on the most important aspects of science learning.

DCIs are grouped into four domains:

1. Physical science
2. Life science
3. Earth and space sciences
4. Engineering, technology, and applications of science
    

The impact of three-dimensional learning

Three-dimensional learning (sometimes called 3DL) provides the structure for learning through the three key dimensions (practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas). By integrating the dimensions, 3DL supports students' understanding of STEM concepts, deepening their comprehension and promoting real-world application of knowledge.

As a result, students are not just memorizing facts—they’re developing a deeper, more connected understanding of concepts, engaging in inquiry, and applying their learning in authentic, problem-solving contexts. This learning approach promotes critical thinking, retention, and the ability to transfer knowledge to new situations.
 

How to incorporate the three dimensions in the classroom

Teachers can incorporate three-dimensional learning in the classroom by designing lessons and activities that intentionally blend the three dimensions into meaningful, student-centered learning experiences. Here are some sample ideas.

• Start with a real-world problem: Begin lessons with a real-life problem that sparks curiosity and connects to students’ lives. Problems anchor learning in a relevant and engaging context. Virtual labs and case studies can help students solve real-life problems without travel or additional supplies.
  
  

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• Engage students in science and engineering practices: Encourage students to ask questions, develop models, analyze data, design investigations, and construct explanations. Let them take an active role in exploring and reasoning rather than passively receiving information.
• Help students make connections across topics: Use crosscutting concepts to help students identify and apply broad concepts (like cause and effect or patterns) to ideas across different science topics and disciplines. For example, students might investigate how weather patterns (earth science) impact animal behavior and food chains in an ecosystem (life science).
• Build inquiry into daily routines: Incorporate small moments of questioning, investigating, and reflecting into everyday activities to make inquiry-based learning a natural and ongoing part of classroom life.
• Integrate core ideas: Ensure that students explore disciplinary core ideas not in isolation but through practices connected by crosscutting concepts. These connections help students see how they can apply science content to explore and solve problems.
   

How teachers can engage students with three-dimensional learning

Teachers can engage students in three-dimensional learning by creating interactive and inquiry-based experiences that integrate content knowledge, scientific practices, and overarching concepts. In the classroom, this might look like relating concepts to real-world experiences in students’ lives, encouraging critical thinking, and creating spaces for open-ended discussions.

Three-dimensional lessons might take the form of hands-on labs and explorations. Technology can also help, allowing students to engage in inquiry through interactive tools like simulations and virtual labs. Teachers can also infuse career exploration into science lessons to connect content (for example, permafrost) with science and engineering practices (like analyzing data). When relevant, teachers can showcase STEM professionals to bring science concepts to life and show students that what they are learning extends beyond their classroom or grade level.
 

How Gizmos support three-dimensional learning

ExploreLearning Gizmos virtual simulations and labs support three-dimensional learning for grades 3-12. With over 550 simulations, Gizmos include a full suite of interactive inquiry-based simulations, investigations, and case studies to support and enhance core curricula. Gizmos STEM Cases allow students to engage with real-world problem-solving from the lens of a STEM professional, connecting authentic experiences with science content.

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