Overview of the Science Program

The Next Generation Science Standards focus on three dimensional learning through science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas:

Science and Engineering Practices

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

Obtaining, Evaluating and Communicating Information

Crosscutting Concepts

1. Patterns

2. Cause and effect: Mechanism and explanation

3. Scale, proportion, and quantity

4. Systems and system models

5. Energy and matter: Flows, cycles, and conservation

6. Structure and function

7. Stability and change

Disciplinary Core Ideas and Performance Expectations:

• Physical Science

• Life Science

• Earth and Space Sciences

• Engineering, Technology and Applications of Science