Outline of the Three Dimensions of the K-12 Science Education Standards

1. Scientific and Engineering Practices

1. Asking questions (science) and defining problems (engineering)
2. Developing and using models
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Construting explanations (science) and designing solutions (engineering)
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluation, and communicating information

2. Crosscutting Concepts

1. Patterns
2. Cause and effect: Mechanism and explanation
3. Scale, proportion, and quantity
4. Systems and system models
5. Energy and matter: Flows, cycles, and conservation
6. Structure and functions
7. Stability and change

3. Disciplinary Core Ideas

Physical science

1. Matter and its interactions
2. Motion and stability: Forces and interactions
3. Energy
4. Waves and their applications in technologies for information transfer

Life Science

1. From molecules to organisms: Structures and processes
2. Ecosystems: Interactions, energy, and dynamics
3. Heredity: Inheritance and variation of traits
4. Biological evolution: Unity and diversity
5. Earth and Space Sciences
6. Earth's place in the universe

Earth's systems

1. Earth and human activity
2. Engineering, technology, and the Applications of Science
3. Engineering desigh
4. Links among engineering, technology, science, and society

 

Dr. Robert Sweetland's notes