The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are organized to support students' science learning across three interwoven dimensions: science and engineering practices, cross-cutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. The standards are designed to progress over multiple grade levels as students develop cognitively and gain science proficiency, with core ideas in four major science disciplines addressed with greater depth and sophistication throughout the K-12 progression.
In Earth and Space Science, the disciplinary core idea known as ESS2 centers on the complex, dynamic, and interconnected systems of Earth. Water, in particular, plays a significant role in many of these processes and features prominently in the understanding of the component ideas of ESS2.
ESS2 and its component ideas related to water are addressed in Grades 2, 5, and 6 by several NGSS performance indicators. The storylines have been developed for each of these grade levels to explore a phenomenon related to water and its role in Earth's systems. Together, they support students' deepening understanding of the core idea ESS2 throughout their primary education.
What happened to the lake? Water is found in many places on Earth in different forms and kinds. Water can move and change the shape of land.
Read MoreCan our drought be someone else's flood? Water is influential for the interactions of Earth's major systems. Its distribution matters for protecting resources.
Read MoreHow can beetles survive in the driest place on earth? Solar energy and gravity drive water cycling through Earth's systems, impacting weather and climate.
Read More
