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.

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.

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.

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.

Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.

Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.

Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time

Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.

Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.

Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live

Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather.

Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather.

Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.

Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

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.

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.

Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface

Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface

Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface

Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface.

Use tools and materials provided to design and build a structure that will reduce the warming effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface.

Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.

Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year.

Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.

Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.

Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.

Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.

Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents. *Students focus on animals in this unit.

Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents.

Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated.

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.

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.

Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each perform.

Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.

Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot.

Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.

Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.

Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.

Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties. 

Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose.

Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose.

Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose.

Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.

Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each perform.

Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

 Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

 Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

 Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved. 

Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.

Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.

Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.

Construct an argument that some animals form groups that help members survive.

 Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment.

Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.

Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.

Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the type of plants and animals that live there may change.

Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.

Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.

Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.

Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.

Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.

Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.

Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, and reproduction.

Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.*Students are introduced to energy transfer in this unit by focusing on moving substances. They will explore other forms of energy transfer in later units. 

Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.

Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects and entering the eye allows objects to be seen.

Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.

 Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.

Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth.

Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.

Develop a model to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen.

Develop a model to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen.

Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties. 

Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties. 

Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.

Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.

Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the impacts of a weather-related hazard.

Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.

Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment.

Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.

 Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the type of plants and animals that live there may change.

Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.

Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.

Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time.

Make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation.

Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment.

Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment.

Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, and reproduction.

Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, and reproduction.

Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.

Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.

Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.

Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.

Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.

Ask questions and predict outcomes about the changes in energy that occur when objects collide.

Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.

Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength and that waves can cause objects to move.

Generate and compare multiple solutions that use patterns to transfer information.

Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky. *In this unit, students are introduced to the concept of patterns caused by the relative motions of the sun, moon, and Earth.

Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth.

Support an argument that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.

Develop a model to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen.

Develop a model to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen.

 Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.

Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.

Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.

Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits inherited from parents and that variation of these traits exists in a group of similar organisms.

Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.

Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.

Make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation.

 Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, and reproduction.

Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, and reproduction.

Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.

Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.

Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.

Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.

Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.

Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength and that waves can cause objects to move.

Support an argument that the apparent brightness of the sun and stars is due to their relative distances from Earth.

Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.

Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.

Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.

Support an argument that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.

Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.

Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.

Develop a model to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen.

Develop a model to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen.

Measure and graph quantities to provide evidence that regardless of the type of change that occurs when heating, cooling, or mixing substances, the total weight of matter is conserved.

Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances.

Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.

Develop and use a model of the Earth-Sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons

Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth's 4.6-billion-year-old history.

 Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales.

Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions.

Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth's systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.

Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth's systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.

 Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates.

Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.

Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

 Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.

Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.

Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.

 Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.

Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively. 

Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.

Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms

Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.

Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.

Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the anatomical similarities and differences among modern organisms and between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships.

Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures

Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.

Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.

Develop and use a model to describe how the total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus mass is conserved.

Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects.

Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships of kinetic energy to the mass of an object and to the speed of an object. 

 Apply scientific principles to design, construct, and test a device that either minimizes or maximizes thermal energy transfer. 

 Plan an investigation to determine the relationships among the energy transferred, the type of matter, the mass, and the change in the average kinetic energy of the particles as measured by the temperature of the sample.

 Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.

Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.

 Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.

Use a model to illustrate that energy from Earth’s interior drives convection that cycles Earth’s crust, leading to melting, crystallization, weathering, and deformation of large rock formations, including generation of ocean seafloor at ridges, submergence of ocean seafloor at trenches, mountain building, and active volcanic chains.

Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.

Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying times and spatial scales.

Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth’s systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.

Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth’s mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes.

Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.

Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

 Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.

Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.

Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively. 

Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively.

Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively.

Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively.

Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.

Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.

Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.

Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Develop and use a model to show why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.

Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.

Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.

Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.

Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society.

Develop and use a model to describe how the total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus mass is conserved.

Develop and use a model to describe how the total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus mass is conserved.

Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.

Ask questions about data to determine the factors that affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces.

Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects.

Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships of kinetic energy to the mass of an object and to the speed of an object.

Apply scientific principles to design, construct, and test a device that either minimizes or maximizes thermal energy transfer.

Plan an investigation to determine the relationships among the energy transferred, the type of matter, the mass, and the change in the average kinetic energy of the particles as measured by the temperature of the sample. *In this unit, students focus on the relationship between the energy transferred and the change in the average kinetic energy of the substance’s particles. They will incorporate the other aspects of the standard in later units.

Plan an investigation to determine the relationships among the energy transferred, the type of matter, the mass, and the change in the average kinetic energy of the particles as measured by the temperature of the sample.

Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.

Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.

Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.

Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.

Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth's 4.6-billion-year-old history.

Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions.

Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates.

Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise of global temperatures over the past.

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.