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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
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
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