Understanding the Illinois Science Assessment by Grade with NGSS
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) outline the key science concepts and skills that students should learn at each grade level. These standards are used to guide teaching and assessment in schools, including the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA). By understanding the NGSS expectations, parents can help their children stay on track and succeed in their science education. Below is a breakdown of the NGSS topics covered at each grade level from Kindergarten to 8th grade and an associated article on their relationship to Illinois Science Assessment.
Kindergarten NGSS Expected Science Topics:
At the kindergarten level, the NGSS focuses on building foundational knowledge in science through exploration and observation.
Physical Science: Understanding basic properties of materials (e.g., what makes things sink or float).
Life Science: Identifying basic needs of living things and their environments (e.g., plants and animals).
Earth and Space Science: Observing seasonal changes and weather patterns.
Engineering and Technology: Using tools and materials to design simple objects.
1st Grade NGSS Expected Science Topics:
In 1st grade, students start to build on their observational skills and begin exploring more complex scientific concepts.
Physical Science: Understanding how objects move (e.g., speed, direction, and forces like push and pull).
Life Science: Learning about the life cycle of plants and animals.
Earth and Space Science: Exploring the properties of light and sound.
Engineering and Technology: Designing solutions to simple engineering challenges.
2nd Grade NGSS Expected Science Topics:
By 2nd grade, students are introduced to more detailed concepts in life, earth, and physical sciences.
Physical Science: Exploring matter and its properties (e.g., solids, liquids, and gases).
Life Science: Learning about plant growth and what plants need to survive.
Earth and Space Science: Investigating weather patterns and how they change over time.
Engineering and Technology: Developing and testing simple tools or solutions to problems.
3rd Grade NGSS Expected Science Topics:
Third graders deepen their understanding of the natural world with more complex scientific topics.
Physical Science: Understanding forces and interactions between objects (e.g., gravity, magnetism).
Life Science: Learning about ecosystems and the relationships between living organisms.
Earth and Space Science: Understanding the water cycle and its role in weather patterns.
Engineering and Technology: Designing solutions to problems related to energy use.
4th Grade NGSS Expected Science Topics:
At the 4th grade level, students explore more detailed scientific principles, with a focus on energy, ecosystems, and Earth's systems.
Physical Science: Exploring energy forms such as light, sound, and heat.
Life Science: Studying plant and animal structures and their roles in ecosystems.
Earth and Space Science: Investigating the Earth's processes, including the rock cycle and Earth's resources.
Engineering and Technology: Applying the principles of engineering to solve real-world problems.
5th Grade NGSS Expected Science Topics:
In 5th grade, students explore more advanced topics, often requiring a higher level of critical thinking and problem-solving.
Physical Science: Understanding matter and energy, including properties and changes in matter.
Life Science: Studying the systems of the human body and how they work together.
Earth and Space Science: Exploring Earth’s history and the formation of different landforms.
Engineering and Technology: Investigating technologies and designing solutions to human challenges.
6th NGSS Expected Science Topics:
By the 6th grade, students build on earlier concepts and start to study more complex scientific phenomena.
Physical Science: Investigating energy, forces, and the relationship between energy and matter.
Life Science: Understanding ecosystems and the diversity of life.
Earth and Space Science: Exploring the structure and processes of Earth’s systems.
Engineering and Technology: Designing experiments to test scientific ideas and solutions.
7th Grade NGSS Expected Science Topics:
Seventh graders dive deeper into biology, chemistry, and Earth science with more specific learning goals.
Physical Science: Studying atoms and molecules, chemical reactions, and energy transformations.
Life Science: Learning about heredity, genetic traits, and evolution.
Earth and Space Science: Investigating Earth's history, including geological processes and plate tectonics.
Engineering and Technology: Understanding how engineers use scientific principles to solve problems.
8th Grade NGSS Expected Science Topics:
Eighth grade is a critical year where students apply their previous knowledge to more complex scientific and engineering concepts.
Physical Science: Understanding the structure of matter, forces, and motion.
Life Science: Exploring the biological systems and the molecular basis of heredity.
Earth and Space Science: Investigating Earth’s atmosphere, weather, and the solar system.
Engineering and Technology: Designing and evaluating solutions for real-world problems.
Where can I find a comprehensive guide to Next Generation Science Standards?
For a detailed and comprehensive guide to the Next Generation Science Standards, parents can refer to the official NGSS website here. This site provides an in-depth breakdown of the standards, including performance expectations, assessment guidelines, and instructional strategies for each grade level.
By understanding the key science concepts covered at each grade, parents can help support their children's learning and ensure they are well-prepared for the Illinois Science Assessment and beyond. Here is another article on how to prepare for the Illinois Science Assessment.
“Science is a refinement of Everyday Thinking”
