NGSS at a glance

The Next Generation Science Standards are the K-12 science standards used in the state of Illinois.

Within the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), there are three distinct and equally important dimensions to learning science. These dimensions are combined to form each standard—or performance expectation—and each dimension works with the other two to help students build a cohesive understanding of science over time.

The Next Generation Science Standards are the K-12 science standards used in the state of Illinois.

Within the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), there are three distinct and equally important dimensions to learning science. These dimensions are combined to form each standard—or performance expectation—and each dimension works with the other two to help students build a cohesive understanding of science over time.

Core Ideas

The disciplinary core ideas (DCIs) are the key ideas in science broken out in the following disciplines: Life, Earth and Space, Physical, and Engineering and Technology

Practices

The science and engineering practices (SEPs) are what students "do"- they include:

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

Developing and Using Models

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Crosscutting Concepts

Crosscutting Concepts have application across the disciplines, so they link the different domains of science. They include:

Patterns

Cause and Effect

Scale, Proportion, and Quantity

System and System Models

Energy and Matter

Structure and Function

Stability and Change