Transition to Common Core in Science

This website has examples of a few Common Core Science Standards developed from the standard to a "Reading Behavior" and then a Performance Task that gets related back to the reading.

Some interesting ideas.

Click HERE

UC Davis Research Article Discussing Characteristics of Good Writing Prompts in Math and Science

Read article HERE.

Common Core Writing Prompts

Click HERE for writing prompts including Middle School Science.

Next Generation Science Standards - Common Core

Next Gen Science Standards Common Core

Matter and Its Interactions

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -

RST.6-8.3            Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks. (MS-PS1-b)

RST.6-8.7            Write Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table). (MS-PS1-c),(MS-PS1-d),(MS-PS1-g)

RI.8.3            Analyze how a text makes connections among and distinctions between individuals, ideas, or events (e.g., through comparisons, analogies, or categories). (MS-PS1-g)

WHST.6-8.7            Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration. (MS-PS1-b)

SL.8.1            Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. (MS-PS1-c)

SL.7.5            Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points. (MS-PS1-a)

Mathematics -

MP.2            Reason abstractly and quantitatively. (MS-PS1-e),(MS-PS1-g)

MP.5            Use appropriate tools strategically. (MS-PS1-g)

MP.9            Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. (MS-PS1-d)

6.EE            Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables. (MS-PS1-b),(MS-PS1-e)

6.SP            Develop understanding of statistical variability (MS-PS1-b),(MS-PS1-e)

Motion and Stability - Forces

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -

RST.6.3            Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks. (MS-PS2-c),(MS-PS2-e)

Mathematics -

MP.1            Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. (MS-PS2-c)

MP.2            Reason abstractly and quantitatively. (MS-PS2-a), (MS-PS2-b)

MP.4            Model with mathematics. (MS-PS2-a)

MP.5            Use appropriate tools strategically. (MS-PS2-c),(MS-PS2-e)

MP.6            Attend to precision. (MS-PS2-c),(MS-PS2-e)

5.OA            Analyze patterns and relationships. (MS-PS2-b)

6.RP            Understand ratio concepts and use ratio reasoning to solve problems. (MS-PS2-c)

6.EE            Apply and extend previous understandings of arithmetic to algebraic expressions.(MS-PS2-e)

Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables. (MS-PS2-e)

7.RP            Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems. (MS-PS2-c)

7.EE            Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations. (MS-PS2-b), (MS-PS2-c)

8.EE            Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations. (MS-PS2-c)

Energy

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -

RST.6-8.3            Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks. (MS-PS3-c)

RST.6-8.7            Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table). (MS-PS3-a)

RI.8.3            Analyze how a text makes connections among and distinctions between individuals, ideas, or events (e.g., through comparisons, analogies, or categories). (MS-PS3-a)

WHST.6-8.1            Write arguments focused on discipline content. (MS-PS3-e)

WHST.6-8.4            Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (MS-PS3-e)

WHST.6-8.7            Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration. (MS-PS3-d)

WHST.6-8.9            Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. (MS-PS3-e)

SL.7.5            Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points. (MS-PS3-f)

SL.8.5            Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points. (MS-PS3-b)

Mathematics -

MP.1            1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. (MS-PS3-c),(MS-PS3-g)

MP.2            Reason abstractly and quantitatively.(MS-PS3-a),(MS-PS3-b)

MP.5            Use appropriate tools strategically (MS-PS3-a)

5.MD            Represent and interpret data. (MS-PS3-a)

6.RP            Understand ratio concepts and use ratio reasoning to solve problems. (MS-PS3-a)

6.EMS-PS3-C            Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables. (MS-PS3-a),(MS-PS3-d).

6.EMS-PS3-A.1            Write and evaluate numerical expressions involving whole-number exponents. (MS-PS3-a)

6.EMS-PS3-A.2c            Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables. (MS-PS3-a)

7.RP            Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems. (MS-PS3-a)

Waves

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -

RST.6-8.1            Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. (MS-PS4-c)

RST.6-8.2            Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions. (MS-PS4-d)

RST.6-8.3            Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements or performing technical tasks. (MS-PS4-a)

WHST.6-8.2            Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.(MS-PS4-c),(MS-PS4-d)

WHST.6-8.4            Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (MS-PS4-c),(MS-PS4-d)

WHST.6-8.9            Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. (MS-PS4-d)

SL.8.1            Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. (MS-PS4-d)

SL.8.4            Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.(MS-PS4-c),(MS-PS4-d)

SL.7.5            Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points. (MS-PS4-b)

Mathematics -

MP.4            Model with mathematics. (MS-PS4-a)

6.EE            Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables. (MS-PS4-a)

From Molecules to Organisms – Structures and Processes

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -

RST.6-8.1            Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. (MS-LS1-j),(MS-LS1-m)

RST.6-8.2            Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

RST.6-8.3            Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks. (MS-LS1-a),(MS-LS1-b),(MS-LS1-d),(MS-LS1-g)

RST.6-8.7            Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table). (MS-LS1-e),(MS-LS1-m).

RI.6.8            Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not. (MS-LS1-m)

WHST.6-8.1            Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content. (MS-LS1-e)

WHST.6-8.2            Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. (MS-LS1-c),(MS-LS1-l)

WHST.6-8.4            Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (MS-LS1-c),(MS-LS1-l)

WHST.6-8.8            Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources. (MS-LS1-m)

WHST.6-8.9            Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. (MS-LS1-j),(MS-LS1-m)

SL.8.1            Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. (MS-LS1-e)

SL.8.3            Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence and identifying when irrelevant evidence is introduced. (MS-LS1-e)

SL.7.5            Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points. (MS-LS1-c),(MS-LS1-k)

Mathematics -

MP.1            Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. (MS-LS1-f)

5.OA            Analyze patterns and relationships. (MS-LS1-h),(MS-LS1-g)

6.EEM            Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables. (MS-LS1-h)

Ecosystems

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -

RST.6-8.1            Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. (MS-LS2-d)

RST.6-8.3            Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements or performing technical tasks. (MS-LS2-e)

RST.6-8.6            Analyze the author’s purpose in providing an explanation, describing a procedure, or discussing an experiment in a text. (MS-LS2-b)

RST.6-8.8            Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text. (MS-LS2-b),(MS-LS2-h)

RI.8.8            Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims. (MS-LS2-b),(MS-LS2-h)

WHST.6-8.1            Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. (MS-LS2-b),(MS-LS2-c),(MS-LS2-g),(MS-LS2-h),(MS-LS2-i)

WHST.6-8.2            Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes. (MS-LS2-d)

WHST.6-8.4            Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose and audience. (MS-LS2-c),(MS-LS2-g),(MS-LS2-h),(MS-LS2-i)

WHST.6-8.7            Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional, related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration. (MS-LS2-e),(MS-LS2-b),(MS-LS2-h),(MS-LS2-i)

WHST.6-8.8            Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources. (MS-LS2-c),(MS-LS2-g)

SL.6.1            Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. (MS-LS2-c),(MS-LS2-g)

SL.6-7.3            Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not. (MS-LS2-b) (MS-LS2-c),(MS-LS2-g)

SL.6-7.4            Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. (MS-LS2-c),(MS-LS2-g),(MS-LS2-h),(MS-LS2-i)

SL.7.5            Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points. (MS-LS2-f)

Mathematics -

MP.3            Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. (MS-LS2-c),(MS-LS2-g)

MP.4            Model with mathematics. (MS-LS2-a),(MS-LS2-f)

5.OA            Analyze patterns and relationships. (MS-LS2-a),(MS-LS2-f),(MS-LS2-e),(MS-LS2-b),(MS-LS2-c)

6.SP            Summarize and describe distributions. (MS-LS2-e)

7.SP.3            Draw informal comparative inferences about two populations. (MS-LS2-a)

8.F            Use functions to model relationships between quantities. (MS-LS2-a)

Heredity

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -

WHST.6-8.2            Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. (MS-LS3-b)

SL.6.4            Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. (MS-LS3-b)

SL.7.5            Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points. (MS-LS3-a)

Mathematics -

MP.2            Reason abstractly and quantitatively. (MS-LS3-a)

MP.3            Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. (MS-LS3-a)

Biological Evolution

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -

RST.6-8.1            Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. (MS-LS4-g),(MS-LS4-h)

RST.6-8.2            Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions. (MS-LS4-h)

RST.6-8.4            Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 6-8 texts and topics. (MS-LS4-g)

RST.6-8.7            Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table). (MS-LS4-d),(MS-LS4-g),(MS-LS4-h)

RST.6-8.8            Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text. (MS-LS4-g)

RI.7.8            Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims. (MS-LS4-g)

WHST.6-8.2            Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. (MS-LS4-b)

WHST.6-8.4            Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (MS-LS4-b)

WHST.6-8.8            Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources. (MS-LS4-g),(MS-LS4-h)

WHST.6-8.9            Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. (MS-LS4-g),(MS-LS4-h)

SL.8.1            Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. (MS-LS4-b)

SL.6.4            Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. (MS-LS4-e)

SL.7.5            Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points. (MS-LS4-f)

Mathematics -

MP.2            Reason abstractly and quantitatively. (MS-LS4-a)

MP.6            Attend to precision. (MS-LS4-d)

MP.4            Model with mathematics. (MS-LS4-f)

5.OA            Analyze patterns and relationships. (MS-LS4-f),(MS-LS4-d)

6.EE            Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variable. (MS-LS4-f)

8.EE            Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines and linear equations. (MS-LS4-d)

Earth’s Place in the Universe

Nothing yet

Earth’s Systems

Nothing yet

Earth and Human Activity

Nothing yet

Engineering Design

Common Core State Standards Connections: [Note: Earth and Space Science connections will be made available soon.]

ELA/Literacy -

RST.6-8.1            Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. (MS-LS4-j)

RST.6-8.3            Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks. (MS-PS1-b),(MS-PS2-c),(MS-PS3-c)

RST.6-8.7            Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table). (MS-LS4-j),(MS-PS1-g),(MS-PS3-a)

RST.6-8.8            Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text. (MS-LS4-j)

RI.7.8            Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims. (MS-LS4-j)

RI.8.3            Analyze how a text makes connections among and distinctions between individuals, ideas, or events (e.g., through comparisons, analogies, or categories). (MS-PS1- g),(MS-PS3-a)

WHST.6-8.1            Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content. (MS-LS4-j),(MS-LS2-i)

WHST.6-8.1            Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. (MS-LS2-g)

WHST.6-8.2            Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes.

WHST.6-8.4            Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (MS-LS4-j),(MS-LS2-i),(MS- LS2-g)

WHST.6-8.7            Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration. (MS-LS4-i), (MS-LS4-j),(MS-LS2-i),(MS-PS1-b)

WHST.6-8.8            Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources. (MS-LS2-g)

SL.6.1            Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. (MS-LS2-g)

SL.6.3            Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not. (MS-LS4-j)

SL.6-7.3            Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not. (MS-LS2-g)

SL.6-7.4            Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. (MS-LS2-g)

SL.8.1            Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. (MS-LS4-j)

SL.7.4            Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. (MS-LS4-j),(MS-LS2-i)

Mathematics -

MP.1            Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them (MS-PS2-c),(MS-PS3-c),(MS-PS3-g)

MP.2            Reason abstractly and quantitatively. (MS-PS1-g), (MS-PS2-a),(MS-PS3-a)

MP.3            Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. (MS-LS2-g)

MP.4            Model with mathematics. (MS-PS2-a)

MP.5            Use appropriate tools strategically. (MS-PS1-g),(MS-PS2-c),(MS-PS3-a)

5.MD            Represent and interpret data. (MS-PS3-a)

5.OA            Analyze patterns and relationships.

6.RP            Understand ratio concepts and use ratio reasoning to solve problems. (MS-PS2-c),(MS-PS3-a)

6.EMS-PS3-C            Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables. (MS-PS3-a)

6.EMS-PS3-A.1            Write and evaluate numerical expressions involving whole-number exponents. (MS-PS3-a)

6.EMS-PS3-A.2c            Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables. (MS-PS3-a)

6.EE            Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables. (MS-PS1-b)

6.SP            Develop understanding of statistical variability (MS-PS1-b)

7.RP            Analyze proportional relationship and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems. (MS-PS2-c),(MS-PS3-a)

7.EE            Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations. (MS-PS2-c)

7.SP.3            Draw informal comparative inferences about two populations.

8.F            Use functions to model relationships between quantities.

8.EE            Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations. (MS-PS2-c)