Narrative and Rationale: The three bundles in this Kindergarten model were built to focus on the observation of patterns in the natural and designed world(s), an idea that applies to the physical, life, and earth and space sciences, as well as engineering.

Bundle 1 centers on a guiding question about the needs of plants and animals for food, water, and sunlight to survive. Bundle 2 centers on guiding questions about patterns in weather data. Bundle 3 centers on a guiding question about pushes and pulls on an object and their effects. Weather-related phenomena are also used as a way to connect bundles, allowing students to develop a deep understanding of the Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs) and Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) that are introduced in Kindergarten.

Kindergarten students begin their understanding of the Crosscutting Concepts of patterns and the relationships between cause and effect in a logical progression over time. This model also introduces students to the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs). It places special emphasis on asking questions, using observations and models, analyzing data, and carrying out investigations.

STANDARDS AND OBJECTIVES

From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

• K-LS1-1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

Earth's Systems

• K-ESS2-1. Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
• K-ESS2-2. Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs.

Earth and Human Activity

• K-ESS3-1. Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
• K-ESS3-3. Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.

Engineering Design

• K-2-ETS1-1. Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

STANDARDS AND OBJECTIVES

Energy

• K-PS3-1. Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface.
• K-PS3-2. Use tools and materials provided to design and build a structure that will reduce the warming effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface.

Earth's Systems

• K-ESS2-1. Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.

Earth and Human Activity

• K-ESS3-2. Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather.

Engineering Design

• K-2-ETS1-1. Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool. 1
• K-2-ETS1-2. Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

STANDARDS AND OBJECTIVES

Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

• K-PS2-1 - Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object.
• K-PS2-2 - Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.

Earth's Systems

• K-ESS2-1 - Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.

Engineering Design

• K-2-ETS1-1 - Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
• K-2-ETS1-3 - Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.