Learning Progressions

Argumentation Learning Progression

This learning progression relates to the Next Generation Science Standards’ Arguing from Evidence science and engineering practice.

Waypoint 3: Counter-critiques and comparative arguments 

(d) Constructing a counterclaim with justification

(c) Providing a two-sided comparative argument

(b) Constructing a one-sided comparative argument

(a) Providing a counter-critique

Waypoint 2: Complete arguments

(d) Providing an alternative counterargument

(c) Constructing a complete argument

(b) Identifying a warrant 

(a) Constructing a warrant

Waypoint 1: Claims and evidence

(d) Identifying evidence

(c)  Providing evidence

(b)  Identifying a claim

(a) Constructing a claim

Waypoint 0: Naive Concepts

Natural Resources & Human Impact Learning Progression

This learning progression relates to the Next Generation Science Standards’ disciplinary core idea of Freshwater as a Limited Resource (NR) & Human impacts on Water within Sociological Systems (HI) ESS3.A, ESS3.B 

Waypoint 3: How is water availability related to socio-political systems? 

Social structures, cultural relationships, economic systems, and political boundaries influence access to freshwater. Low-income and minoritized communities and undervalued ecosystems often experience disproportionately less access to clean freshwater. Human systems that move or impact water require energy and capital. 

Waypoint 2: What are the mechanisms that result in uneven distribution and/or what are the impacts of uneven distribution? 

Water resources are unevenly distributed in time and space. Water availability (quality, quantity, location) can also fluctuate due to natural processes (e.g., rain, drought, snowmelt) and/or be affected by human activities (for better or worse).

Plant and animal communities grow where conditions meet their needs. Human habitation can be limited or affected by access to clean, fresh water. 

Waypoint 1: Where are freshwater resources available? Freshwater for plants and animals (including humans) is available from a variety of sources, including surface (e.g., lakes, rivers) and underground sources (i.e., aquifers). There is also water in the atmosphere. Freshwater is constantly replenished through the water cycle. 

Waypoint 0: Naive Conceptions

Patterns Learning Progression 

This learning progression relates to the Next Generation Science Standards’ crosscutting concept of Patterns.

Waypoint 3: Patterns that matter
Uses an understanding of a model to identify and describe the relevant pattern(s).

Waypoint 2: Patterns involving multiple variables 

Coordinates multiple variables or representations to identify and describe patterns. 

Waypoint 1: Simple patterns
Identifies basic patterns based on concrete comparisons of similarities and/or differences, or trends in data or representations of a phenomenon. 

Waypoint 0: No Patterns or naive Conceptions