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Michigan K-12 Standards
Science
November 2015
v. 11/2015 Page 2 of 34
v. 11/2015 Page 3 of 34
Table of Contents
O
verview of the Standards Page 4
Why These Standards
Organization and Structure of the Performance Expectations
Implementation
Michigan Specific Contexts
Supplemental Guidance
Kindergarten Performance Expectations Page 9
First (1
st
) Grade Performance Expectations Page 11
Second (2
nd
) Grade Performance Expectations Page 12
Third (3
rd
) Grade Performance Expectations Page 14
Fourth (4
th
) Grade Performance Expectations Page 16
Fifth (5
th
) Grade Performance Expectations Page 18
Middle School (Grades 6-8) Performance Expectations Page 20
High School (Grades 9-12) Performance Expectations Page 26
v. 11/2015 Page 4 of 34
The Role of Science Standards in Michigan
According to the dictionary, a standard is “something considered by an authority or by
general consent as a basis of comparison.” Today’s world is replete with standards
documents such as standards of care, standards of quality, and even standard operating
procedures. These various sets of standards serve to outline agreed-upon expectations,
rules, or actions, which guide practice and provide a platform for evaluating or
comparing these practices.
One such set of standards is the academic standards that a governing body may have for
the expected outcomes of students. In Michigan, these standards, are used to outline
learning expectations for Michigan’s students, and are intended to guide local curriculum
development and assessment of student progress. The Michigan Science Standards are
performance expectations for students. They are not curriculum and they do not specify
classroom instruction. Standards should be used by schools as a framework for
curriculum development with the curriculum itself prescribing instructional resources,
methods, progressions, and additional knowledge valued by the local community. Since
Michigan is a “local control” state, local school districts and public school academies can
use these standards in this manner to make decisions about curriculum, instruction, and
assessment.
At the state level, these standards provide a platform for state assessments, which are
used to measure how well schools are providing opportunities for all students to learn
the content outlined by the standards. The standards also impact other statewide
policies, such as considerations for teacher certification and credentials, school
improvement, and accountability, to name a few.
The standards in this document identify the student performance outcomes for students
in topics of science and engineering. These standards replace the Michigan Science
Standards adopted in 2006, which were published as the Grade Level Content
Expectations and High School Content Expectations for science.
Why These Standards?
There is no question that students need to be
prepared to apply basic scientific knowledge to their
lives and to their careers, regardless of whether they
are planning STEM based careers or not. In 2011, the
National Research Council released
A Framework for
v. 11/2015 Page 5 of 34
K-12 Science Education,
1
which set forth guidance for science standards development
based on the research on how students learn best. This extensive body of research
suggests students need to be engaged in doing science by engaging the same practices
used by scientists and engineers. Furthermore, students should engage in science and
engineering practices in the context of core ideas that become ever more sophisticated
as students move through school. Students also need to see the connections of these
disciplinary-based core ideas to the bigger science concepts that cross disciplinary
lines. The proposed Michigan standards are built on this research-based framework.
The framework was used in the development of the Next Generation Science Standards,
for which Michigan was a lead partner. The Michigan Science Standards are derived
from this effort, utilizing the student performance expectations and their relevant coding
(for reference purposes). These standards are intended to guide local curricular design,
leaving room for parents, teachers, and schools to surround the standards with local
decisions about curriculum and instruction. Similarly, because these standards are
performance expectations, they will be used to guide state assessment development.
Organization and Structure of the Performance Expectations
Michigan’s science standards are organized by grade level K-5, and then by grade span
in middle school and high school. The K-5 grade level organization reflects the
developmental nature of learning for elementary students in a manner that attends to
the important learning progressions toward basic foundational understandings. By the
time students reach traditional middle school grades (6-8), they can begin to build on
this foundation to develop more sophisticated understandings of science concepts within
and across disciplines. This structure also allows schools to design local courses and
pathways that make sense for their students and available instructional resources.
Michigan’s prior standards for science were organized by grade level through 7
th
grade.
Because these standards are not a revision, but were newly designed in their entirety, it
was decided that the use of the grade level designations in the traditional middle grades
(6-8) would be overly inhibiting to apply universally to all schools in Michigan. Such
decisions do not specifically restrict local school districts from collaborating at a local or
regional level to standardize instruction at these levels. Therefore, it is recommended
that each school, district, or region utilize assessment oriented grade bands (K-2, 3-5, 6-
8, 9-12) to organize curriculum and instruction around the standards. MDE will provide
guidance on appropriate strategies or organization for such efforts to be applied locally in
each school district or public school academy.
Within each grade level/span the performance expectations are organized around topics.
While each topical cluster of performance expectations addresses the topic, the wording
of each performance expectation reflects the three-dimensions of science learning
outlined in A Framework for K-12 Science Education: cross-cutting concepts, disciplinary
core ideas, and science and engineering practices.
1
A New Conceptual Framework." A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core
Ideas. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 2012.
v. 11/2015 Page 6 of 34
Cross Cutting Concepts (CCC)
The seven Crosscutting Concepts outlined by the Framework for K-12 Science
Education are the overarching and enduring understandings that provide an
organizational framework under which students can connect the core ideas from
the various disciplines into a “cumulative, coherent, and usable understanding of
science and engineering” (Framework, pg. 83).
These crosscutting concepts are…
1. Patterns
2. Cause and Effect
3. Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
4. Systems and System Models
5. Energy and Matter in Systems
6. Structure and Function
7. Stability and Change of Systems
Coding Hierarchy
Based upon the Framework
and development of the Next
Generation Science Standards
effort, each performance
expectation of the Michigan
Science Standards is identified
with a reference code. Each
performance expectation (PE)
code starts out with the grade
level, followed by the
disciplinary core idea (DCI)
code, and ending with the
sequence number of the PE
within the DCI. So for
example, K-PS3-2 is a
kindergarten PE, linked to the
3
rd
physical science DCI (i.e.,
Energy), and is the second in
sequence of kindergarten PEs
linked to the PS3. These
codes are used in MSS and
NGSS Science Resources to
identify relevant connections
for standards.
Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI)
The crosscutting concepts cross disciplines.
However within each discipline are core ideas that
are developed across grade spans, increasing in
sophistication and depth of understanding. Each
performance expectation (PE) is coded to a DCI. A
list of DCIs and their codes can be found on the
MDE website and in the MDE Guidance Documents.
Science and Engineering Practices
In addition to the Crosscutting Concepts and
Disciplinary Core Ideas, the National Research
Council has outlined 8 practices for K-12 science
classrooms that describe ways students should be
engaged in the classroom as a reflection of the
practices of actual scientists and engineers. When
students “do” science, the learning of the content
becomes more meaningful. Lessons should be
carefully designed so that students have
opportunities to not only learn the essential science content, but to practice being
a scientist or engineer. These opportunities set the stage for students to transition
to college or directly into STEM careers.
Listed below are the Science and Engineering Practices from the Framework:
1. Asking questions and defining problems
2. Developing and using models
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Constructing explanations and designing solutions
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
v. 11/2015 Page 7 of 34
Implementation
It is extremely important to remember that the research calls for instruction and
assessments to blend the three dimensions (CCC, DCI, and Practices). It is this working
together of the three dimensions that will allow all children to explain scientific
phenomena, design solutions to problems, and build a foundation upon which they can
continue to learn and be able to apply science knowledge and skills within and outside
the K-12 education arena. While each PE incorporates these three dimensions into its
wording, this alone does not drive student outcomes. Ultimately, student learning
depends on how the standards are integrated in instructional practices in the classroom.
There are several resources based on the National Research Council’s
A Framework for
K-12 Science Education that were developed for educators to utilize in planning
curriculum, instruction, and professional development. These include resources
developed by Michigan K-12 and higher education educators, with plans to develop more
guided by the needs of the field as implementation moves forward. This includes
assessment guidance for the Michigan Department of Education, local districts, and
educators.
Michigan Specific Contexts
Because the student performance expectations were developed to align to a general
context for all learners, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) works with a
variety of stakeholders to identify Michigan-specific versions of the standards for student
performance expectations that address issues directly relevant to our state such as its
unique location in the Great Lakes Basin, Michigan-specific flora and fauna, and our
state’s rich history and expertise in scientific research and engineering. These versions
of the performance expectations allow for local, regional, and state-specific contexts for
learning and assessment. In addition to the specific performance expectations that
frame more general concepts and phenomena in a manner that is directly relevant to our
state, there are also a number of performance expectations which allow for local,
regional, or state-specific problems to be investigated by students, or for students to
demonstrate understandings through more localized contexts. Both of these types of
performance expectations are identified in the following standards, as well as in the
accompanying guidance document, which also identifies both clarification statements and
assessment boundaries. The Michigan specific performance expectations should be used
by educators to frame local assessment efforts. State level assessments will specifically
address the performance expectations with Michigan-specific contexts.
MDE is collaborating with multiple statewide partners to generate a list of support
materials for the state standards that focuses on resources and potential strategies for
introducing or exploring DCIs through a local, regional, or statewide lens to make the
learning more engaging and authentic. These contextual connections are not included in
the specific performance expectations, as educators should merely use these as
recommendations for investigation with students, and assessment developers have the
opportunity to use these to develop specific examples or scenarios from which students
would demonstrate their general understanding. This approach provides the opportunity
for educators to draw upon Michigan’s natural environment and rich history and
resources in engineering design and scientific research to support student learning.
v. 11
/2015 Page 8 of 34
Michigan Educator Guidance
The Michigan Science Standards within this document are the performance
expectations for students in grades K-12 for science and engineering practices,
cross cutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas of science and engineering.
In order to be able to develop and guide instruction to address the standards for all
students, Michigan educators will need access to a range of guidance and resources that
provide additional support for the teaching and learning of science. This guidance will be
developed and shared with Michigan educators following the adoption of the proposed
standards. The MDE provides additional guidance based upon educator needs and
requests, and utilizes support from practicing Michigan educators and educational
leaders to develop such guidance or tools to aid in the implementation of the standards.
Accompanying this standards document will be a range of resources provided to
educators and assessment developers to help frame the learning context and
instructional considerations of the performance expectations. Such guidance will include
appropriate connections and references to the Science and Engineering Practices, the
Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI), and Cross Cutting Concepts (CCC) that frame each
performance expectation. External partners, including the Michigan Mathematics and
Science Center Network, Michigan Science Teachers Association, and National Science
Teachers Association, and professional development providers in Michigan, will utilize the
coding references of the standards to provide additional resources to Michigan educators.
Kindergarten
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 9 of 34
Forces and Interactions: Pushes and Pulls
K-PS2-1 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.
K-PS2-2 Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change
the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.
*
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Animals, Plants, and Their
Environment
K-LS1-1 Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including
humans) need to survive.**
K-ESS2-2 Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals
(including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs.
K-ESS3-1 Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different
plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.
K-ESS3-3 Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land,
water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
*
**
Weather and Climate
K-PS3-1 Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface.
K-PS3-2 Use tools and materials to design and build a structure that will reduce the
warming effect of sunlight on an area.
*
K-ESS2-1 Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns
over time.**
K-ESS3-2 Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather
forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather.
* **
Kindergarten
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 10 of 34
Engineering Design
K-2-ETS1-1 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.
K-2-ETS1-2 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.
K-2-ETS1-3 Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem
to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.
1
st
Grade
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 11 of 34
Waves: Light and Sound
1-PS4-1 Plan and conduct investigations to provide evidence that vibrating materials
can make sound and that sound can make materials vibrate.
1-PS4-2 Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects can
be seen only when illuminated.
1-PS4-3 Plan and conduct an investigation to determine the effect of placing objects
made with different materials in the path of a beam of light.
1-PS4-4 Use tools and materials to design and build a device that uses light or sound
to solve the problem of communicating over a distance.
*
Structure, Function, and Information Processing
1-LS1-1 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.
*
1-LS1-2 Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and
offspring that help offspring survive.
1-LS3-1 Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young
plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents.
Space Systems: Patterns and Cycles
1-ESS1-1 Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can
be predicted.
1-ESS1-2 Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of
daylight to the time of year.
**
Engineering Design
K-2-ETS1-1 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.
K-2-ETS1-2 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.
K-2-ETS1-3 Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem
to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.
2
nd
Grade
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 12 of 34
Structure and Properties of Matter
2-PS1-1 Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of
materials by their observable properties.
2-PS1-2 Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which
materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose.
*
2-PS1-3 Make observations to construct an evidence-based account of how an object
made of a small set of pieces can be disassembled and made into a new
object.
2-PS1-4 Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating
or cooling can be reversed and some cannot.
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
2-LS2-1 Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and
water to grow.
**
2-LS2-2 Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing
seeds or pollinating plants.
*
2-LS4-1 Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in
different habitats.
**
Earth’s Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth
2-ESS1-1 Use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events
can occur quickly or slowly.
*
2-ESS2-1 Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from
changing the shape of the land.
*
**
2-ESS2-2 Develop a model to represent the shapes and kinds of land and bodies of
water in an area.
2-ESS2-2 MI Develop a model to represent the state of Michigan and
the Great Lakes, or a more local land area and water body.
2-ESS2-3 Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can
be solid or liquid.
**
2-ESS2-3 MI Obtain information to identify where fresh water is found
on Earth, including the Great Lakes and Great Lakes Basin.
2
nd
Grade
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 13 of 34
Engineering Design
K-2-ETS1-1 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.
K-2-ETS1-2 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.
K-2-ETS1-3 Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem
to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.
3rd Grade
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 14 of 34
Forces and Interactions
3-PS2-1 Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of
balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.
3-PS2-2 Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide
evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.
3-PS2-3 Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or
magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.
3-PS2-4 Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific
ideas about magnets.
*
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
3-LS2-1 Construct an argument that some animals form groups that help members
survive.
3-LS4-1 Analyze and interpret data from fossils to provide evidence of the organisms
and the environments in which they lived long ago.
**
3-LS4-3 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.
**
3-LS4-4 Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the
environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there
may change.
*
**
Inheritance and Variation of Traits: Life Cycles and Traits
3-LS1-1 Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life
cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.
3-LS3-1 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.
3-LS3-2 Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the
environment.
3-LS4-2 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.
3rd Grade
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 15 of 34
Weather and Climate
3-ESS2-1 Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather
conditions expected during a particular season.
3-ESS2-2 Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of
the world.
3-ESS3-1 Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the impacts
of a weather-related hazard.
**
Engineering Design
3-5-ETS1-1 Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes
specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
3-5-ETS1-2 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.
3-5-ETS1-3 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.
4th Grade
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 16 of 34
Energy
4-PS3-1 Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to
the energy of that object.
4-PS3-2 Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from
place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.
4-PS3-3 Ask questions and predict outcomes about the changes in energy that occur
when objects collide.
4-PS3-4 Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts
energy from one form to another.
*
4-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are
derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment.
Waves: Waves and Information
4-PS4-1 Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and
wavelength and that waves can cause objects to move.
4-PS4-3 Generate and compare multiple solutions that use patterns to transfer
information.
*
Structure, Function, and Information Processing
4-PS4-2 Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects and entering
the eye allows objects to be seen.
4-LS1-1 Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external
structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and
reproduction.
4-LS1-2 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.
4th Grade
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 17 of 34
Earth’s Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth
4-ESS1-1 Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers
to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time.
**
4-ESS1-1 MI Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and
fossils in rock layers to support possible explanations of Michigan’s
geological changes over time.
4-ESS2-1 Make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects
of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation
**
4-ESS2-2 Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s
features.
4-ESS3-2 Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural
Earth processes on humans.
*
**
4-ESS3-2 MI Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the
impacts of natural Earth processes on Michigan’s people and places.
Engineering Design
3-5-ETS1-1 Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes
specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
3-5-ETS1-2 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.
3-5-ETS1-3 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.
5th Grade
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 18 of 34
Structure and Properties of Matter
5-PS1-1 Develop a model to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be
seen.
5-PS1-2 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.
5-PS1-3 Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their
properties.
5-PS1-4 Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two or more
substances results in new substances.
Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems
5-PS3-1 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.
5-LS1-1 Support an argument that plants get the materials they need for growth
chiefly from air and water.
5-LS2-1 Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants,
animals, decomposers, and the environment.
Earth’s Systems
5-ESS2-1 Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere,
biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.
5-ESS2-1 MI Develop a model using an example to describe ways the
geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact in Michigan
and the Great Lakes basin.
5-ESS2-2 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.
5-ESS2-2 MI Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of
water and fresh water in the Great Lakes to provide evidence about the
distribution of water on Earth.
5-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use
science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
**
5th Grade
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 19 of 34
Space Systems: Stars and the Solar System
5-PS2-1 Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on
objects is directed down.
5-ESS1-1 Support an argument that differences in the apparent brightness of the sun
compared to other stars is due to their relative distances from Earth.
5-ESS1-2 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.
Engineering Design
3-5-ETS1-1 Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes
specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
3-5-ETS1-2 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.
3-5-ETS1-3 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.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 20 of 34
Structure and Properties of Matter
MS-PS1-1 Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and
extended structures.
MS-PS1-3 Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials
come from natural resources and impact society.
MS-PS1-4 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.
Chemical Reactions
MS-PS1-2 Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after
the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
MS-PS1-5 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.
MS-PS1-6 Undertake a design project to construct, test, and modify a device that
either releases or absorbs thermal energy by chemical processes.
*
Forces and Interactions
MS-PS2-1 Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the
motion of two colliding objects.
*
MS-PS2-2 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.
MS-PS2-3 Ask questions about data to determine the factors that affect the strength
of electric and magnetic forces.
MS-PS2-4 Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that
gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of
interacting objects.
MS-PS2-5 Conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental design to provide
evidence that fields exist between objects exerting forces on each other
even though the objects are not in contact.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 21 of 34
Energy
MS-PS3-1 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.
MS-PS3-2 Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects
interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are
stored in the system.
MS-PS3-3 Apply scientific principles to design, construct, and test a device that either
minimizes or maximizes thermal energy transfer.
*
MS-PS3-4 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.
MS-PS3-5 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.
Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation
MS-PS4-1 Use mathematical representations to describe a simple model for waves
that includes how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a
wave.
MS-PS4-2 Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or
transmitted through various materials.
MS-PS4-3 Integrate qualitative scientific and technical information to support the
claim that digitized signals are a more reliable way to encode and transmit
information than analog signals.
Structure, Function, and Information Processing
MS-LS1-1 Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of
cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.
MS-LS1-2 Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and
ways parts of cells contribute to the function.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 22 of 34
MS-LS1-3 Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of
interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.
Structure, Function, and Information Processing (continued)
MS-LS1-8 Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli
by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as
memories.
Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems
MS-LS1-6 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.
MS-LS1-7 Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions
forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this
matter moves through an organism.
MS-LS2-1 Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource
availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
**
MS-LS2-3 Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among
living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
**
MS-LS2-4 Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to
physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
MS-LS2-2 Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among
organisms across multiple ecosystems.
**
MS-LS2-5 Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem
services.
*
**
Growth, Development, and Reproduction of Organisms
MS-LS1-4 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.
MS-LS1-5 Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and
genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.
**
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 23 of 34
MS-LS3-1 Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes
(mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in
harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the
organism.
Growth, Development, and Reproduction of Organisms (continued)
MS-LS3-2 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.
MS-LS4-5 Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that have changed
the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.
Natural Selection and Adaptations
MS-LS4-1 Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document
the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of life forms throughout the
history of life on Earth under the assumption that natural laws operate
today as in the past.
**
MS-LS4-2 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.
MS-LS4-3 Analyze displays of pictorial data to compare patterns of similarities in the
embryological development across multiple species to identify relationships
not evident in the fully formed anatomy.
MS-LS4-4 Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic
variations of traits in a population increase some individuals’ probability of
surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
MS-LS4-6 Use mathematical representations to support explanations of how natural
selection may lead to increases and decreases of specific traits in
populations over time.
Space Systems
MS-ESS1-1 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.
MS-ESS1-2 Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions
within galaxies and the solar system.
MS-ESS1-3 Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the
solar system.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 24 of 34
History of Earth
MS-ESS1-4 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.
MS-ESS2-2 Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes
have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales.
MS-ESS2-3 Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks,
continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past
plate motions.
Earth’s Systems
MS-ESS2-1 Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of
energy that drives this process.
**
MS-ESS2-4 Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth’s systems
driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.
**
MS-ESS3-1 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.
**
Weather and Climate
MS-ESS2-5 Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex
interactions of air masses results in changes in weather conditions.
MS-ESS2-5 MI Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions
and complex interactions of air masses results in changes in weather
conditions in Michigan due to the Great Lakes and regional geography.
MS-ESS2-6 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.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 25 of 34
MS-ESS3-5 Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in
global temperatures over the past century.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 26 of 34
Human Impacts
MS-ESS3-2 Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future
catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate
their effects.
MS-ESS3-3 Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing
a human impact on the environment.
*
**
MS-ESS3-4 Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human
population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth’s
systems.
Engineering Design
MS-ETS1-1 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.
MS-ETS1-2 Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to
determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
MS-ETS1-3 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.
MS-ETS1-4 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.
High School (Grades 9-12)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 27 of 34
Structure and Properties of Matter
HS-PS1-1 Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of
elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level
of atoms.
HS-PS1-3 Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the
structure of substances at the bulk scale to infer the strength of electrical
forces between particles.
HS-PS1-8 Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus
of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion,
and radioactive decay.
HS-PS2-6 Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-
level structure is important in the functioning of designed materials.
*
Chemical Reactions
HS-PS1-2 Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical
reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the
periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties.
HS-PS1-4 Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption of energy from
a chemical reaction system depends upon the changes in total bond energy.
HS-PS1-5 Apply scientific principles and evidence to provide an explanation about the
effects of changing the temperature or concentration of the reacting
particles on the rate at which a reaction occurs.
HS-PS1-6 Refine the design of a chemical system by specifying a change in conditions
that would produce increased amounts of products at equilibrium.
*
HS-PS1-7 Use mathematical representations to support the claim that atoms, and
therefore mass, are conserved during a chemical reaction.
Forces and Interactions
HS-PS2-1 Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s second law of motion
describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a
macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration.
HS-PS2-2 Use mathematical representations to support the claim that the total
momentum of a system of objects is conserved when there is no net force
on the system.
High School (Grades 9-12)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 28 of 34
Forces and Interactions (cont.)
HS-PS2-3 Apply scientific and engineering ideas to design, evaluate, and refine a
device that minimizes the force on a macroscopic object during a collision.
*
HS-PS2-4 Use mathematical representations of Newton’s Law of Gravitation and
Coulomb’s Law to describe and predict the gravitational and electrostatic
forces between objects.
HS-PS2-5 Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that an electric
current can produce a magnetic field and that a changing magnetic field can
produce an electric current.
Energy
HS-PS3-1 Create a computational model to calculate the change in the energy of one
component in a system when the change in energy of the other
component(s) and energy flows in and out of the system are known.
HS-PS3-2 Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale
can be accounted for as a combination of energy associated with the
motions of particles (objects) and energy associated with the relative
position of particles (objects).
HS-PS3-3 Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to
convert one form of energy into another form of energy.
*
HS-PS3-4 Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of
thermal energy when two components of different temperature are
combined within a closed system results in a more uniform energy
distribution among the components in the system (second law of
thermodynamics).
HS-PS3-5 Develop and use a model of two objects interacting through electric or
magnetic fields to illustrate the forces between objects and the changes in
energy of the objects due to the interaction.
Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation
HS-PS4-1 Use mathematical representations to support a claim regarding relationships
among the frequency, wavelength, and speed of waves traveling in various
media.
High School (Grades 9-12)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 29 of 34
HS-PS4-2 Evaluate questions about the advantages of using a digital transmission and
storage of information.
Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation (cont.)
HS-PS4-3 Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind the idea that
electromagnetic radiation can be described either by a wave model or a
particle model, and that for some situations one model is more useful than
the other.
HS-PS4-4 Evaluate the validity and reliability of claims in published materials of the
effects that different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation have when
absorbed by matter.
HS-PS4-5 Communicate technical information about how some technological devices
use the principles of wave behavior and wave interactions with matter to
transmit and capture information and energy.
*
Structure and Function
HS-LS1-1 Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA
determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions
of life through systems of specialized cells.
HS-LS1-2 Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of
interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular
organisms.
HS-LS1-3 Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback
mechanisms maintain homeostasis.
Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems
HS-LS1-5 Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into
stored chemical energy.
HS-LS1-6 Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon,
hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other
elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon-based molecules.
HS-LS1-7 Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process
whereby the bonds of food molecules and oxygen molecules are broken and
the bonds in new compounds are formed resulting in a net transfer of
energy.
High School (Grades 9-12)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 30 of 34
HS-LS2-3 Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of
matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
HS-LS2-4 Use mathematical representations to support claims for the cycling of
matter and flow of energy among organisms in an ecosystem.
**
Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems (cont.)
HS-LS2-5 Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular
respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere,
hydrosphere, and geosphere.
**
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
HS-LS2-1 Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support
explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at
different scales.
HS-LS2-2 Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based
on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in
ecosystems of different scales.
HS-LS2-6 Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions
in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of
organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new
ecosystem.
**
HS-LS2-7 Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human
activities on the environment and biodiversity.
*
**
HS-LS2-8 Evaluate the evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and
species’ chances to survive and reproduce.
HS-LS4-6 Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts
of human activity on biodiversity.
**
Inheritance and Variation of Traits
HS-LS1-4 Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and
differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms.
HS-LS3-1 Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and
chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from
parents to offspring.
High School (Grades 9-12)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 31 of 34
HS-LS3-2 Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic
variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis,
(2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused
by environmental factors.
Inheritance and Variation of Traits (continued)
HS-LS3-3 Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and
distribution of expressed traits in a population.
Natural Selection and Evolution
HS-LS4-1 Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological
evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.
HS-LS4-2 Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution
primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential for a species to
increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a
species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited
resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able
to survive and reproduce in the environment.
HS-LS4-3 Apply concepts of statistics and probability to support explanations that
organisms with an advantageous heritable trait tend to increase in
proportion to organisms lacking this trait.
HS-LS4-4 Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads
to adaptation of populations.
HS-LS4-5 Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental
conditions may result in: (1) increases in the number of individuals of some
species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction
of other species.
Space Systems
HS-ESS1-1 Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life span of the sun and
the role of nuclear fusion in the sun’s core to release energy that eventually
reaches Earth in the form of radiation.
HS-ESS1-2 Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on astronomical
evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and composition of
matter in the universe.
High School (Grades 9-12)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 32 of 34
HS-ESS1-3 Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their life cycle,
produce elements.
HS-ESS1-4 Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of
orbiting objects in the solar system.
High School (Grades 9-12)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 33 of 34
History of Earth
HS-ESS1-5 Evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and
oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal
rocks.
HS-ESS1-6 Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials,
meteorites, and other planetary surfaces to construct an account of Earth’s
formation and early history.
HS-ESS2-1 Develop a model to illustrate how Earth’s internal and surface processes
operate at different spatial and temporal scales to form continental and
ocean-floor features.
Earth’s Systems
HS-ESS2-2 Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth’s
surface can create feedbacks that cause changes to other Earth systems.
HS-ESS2-3 Develop a model based on evidence of Earth’s interior to describe the
cycling of matter by thermal convection.
HS-ESS2-5 Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects
on Earth materials and surface processes.
**
HS-ESS2-6 Develop a quantitative model to describe the cycling of carbon among the
hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.
HS-ESS2-7 Construct an argument based on evidence about the simultaneous
coevolution of Earth’s systems and life on Earth.
Weather and Climate
HS-ESS2-4 Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of
Earth’s systems result in changes in climate.
HS-ESS3-5 Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to
make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional
climate change and associated future impacts to Earth systems.
**
Human Sustainability
HS-ESS3-1 Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of
natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate
have influenced human activity.
High School (Grades 9-12)
* - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. - Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 34 of 34
Human Sustainability (continued)
HS-ESS3-2 Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing
energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
*
**
HS-ESS3-3 Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationships among
management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations,
and biodiversity.
**
HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human
activities on natural systems.
*
HS-ESS3-6 Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among
Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to
human activity.
Engineering Design
HS-ETS1-1 Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative
criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and
wants.
HS-ETS1-2 Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into
smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through
engineering.
HS-ETS1-3 Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized
criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including
cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural,
and environmental impacts.
HS-ETS1-4 Use a computer simulation to model the impact of proposed solutions to a
complex real-world problem with numerous criteria and constraints on
interactions within and between systems relevant to the problem.