The elementary science curriculum includes the integration of the three (3) dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards. The three (3) dimensions include the Disciplinary Core Ideas, Crosscutting Concepts and Science and Engineering Practices. All three (3) dimensions follow a conceptual progression of understanding beginning in the primary grades and becoming more sophisticated in the intermediate grades. Students will think like scientists by using the Crosscutting Concepts to develop an understanding of the natural and designed world. The Crosscutting Concepts include patterns; cause and effect; systems and system models; structure and function; energy and matter; stability and change; and scale, proportion and quantity. Students will work like scientists by engaging in the Science and Engineering Practices. Students are expected to demonstrate grade-appropriate proficiency by asking questions, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, designing solutions, engaging in argument from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating and communicating information. Students are expected to use these practices to demonstrate an understanding of the Disciplinary Core Ideas. The Disciplinary Core Ideas are from four (4) areas: physical sciences; earth and space sciences; life sciences; and engineering, technology and applications of science. The students will develop and apply an understanding of:

Pre-K

• Motion as push, pull and collisions
• Variations of weather
• Needs of plants and animals

Kindergarten

• Motion as push, pull and collisions
• Variations and changes in weather
• Needs of plants, animals and humans

Grade 1

• Properties of light and sound
• Movement of objects in the day and night sky
• Structures and behaviors of plants and animals

Grade 2

• Properties of materials
• Physical characteristics and changes of Earth
• Interaction of plants and animals in different habitats

Grade 3

• Forces and interactions
• Weather, climate and natural disasters
• Growth and development of plants, and animals and environmental impacts on plants and animals

Grade 4

• Properties of waves, conservation of energy and energy transfer
• Physical characteristics and changes to the Earth’s landscape
• Structure, function and information processing of plants and animals

Grade 5

• Matter and chemical reactions
• Components and interactions of earth systems and space systems
• Flow of matter and energy in ecosystems

The standards include rigorous performance expectations for each level of school and seamlessly incorporate the practices of science with the content of science.

For more information on Maryland’s Science Standards, please contact the Science Coordinator or follow this link: https://www.nextgenscience.org.