New Generation of Science Standards (NGSS) - Kindergarten
Disciplinary Core Ideas
PS3.B: Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer
• Sunlight warms Earth’s surface. (K-PS3-1),(K-PS3-2)
Science and Engineering Practices (NGSS)
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Planning and carrying out investigations to answer questions or test solutions to problems in K–2 builds on prior experiences and progresses to simple investigations, based on fair tests, which provide data to support explanations or design solutions.
• Make observations (firsthand or from media) to collect data that can be used to make comparisons. (K-PS3-1)
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Constructing explanations and designing solutions in K–2 builds on prior experiences and progresses to the use of evidence and ideas in constructing evidence-based accounts of natural phenomena and designing solutions.
• Use tools and materials provided to design and build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem. (K-PS3-2)
Connections to Nature of Science
Scientific Investigations Use a Variety of Methods
• Scientists use different ways to study the world. (K-PS3-1)
Crosscutting Concepts (NGSS)
Cause and Effect
Events have causes that generate observable patterns. (K-PS3-1),(K-PS3-2)
Performance Expectations
Students who demonstrate understanding can:
K-PS3-1. Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface. [Clarification Statement: Examples of Earth’s surface could include sand, soil, rocks, and water] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment of temperature is limited to relative measures such as warmer/cooler.]
K-PS3-2. Use tools and materials to design and build a structure that will reduce the warming effect of sunlight on an area.* [Clarification Statement: Examples of structures could include umbrellas, canopies, and tents that minimize the warming effect of the sun.]
Common Core State Standards Connections
ELA/Literacy
W.K.7 Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., explore a number of books by a favorite author and express opinions about them). (K-PS3-1),(K-PS3-2)
Mathematics -
K.MD.A.2 Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common, to see which object has “more of”/”less of” the attribute, and describe the difference. (K-PS3-1),(K-PS3-2)