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Kindergarten Science: Performance Expectations

Your Teacher Information Pack for Kindergarten Science (performance expectations): the standards with their official codes, in our own short summaries, plus tests and official links.

Standards
Next Generation Science Standards*
Grade
Kindergarten
Source
Next Generation Science Standards*
Last checked
2026-10-20

This pack is not complete yet: some standards could not be read in time. Check the official document for the full list.

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The standards (our summaries)

Performance expectations from the Next Generation Science Standards* with their official codes. The short descriptions are our own words; each code links to the official site.

K-LS1 From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

  • K-LS1-1 Students gather observations to identify recurring patterns in what plants, animals, and humans require to stay alive.

K-PS2 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

  • K-PS2-1 Work with peers to set up a controlled comparison of weaker versus stronger or differently aimed pushes and pulls on something moving.
  • K-PS2-2 Review measurements from a tool or design meant to speed up, slow, or redirect an object, and judge whether it performs as planned.

K-PS3 Energy

  • K-PS3-1 Students gather observational evidence showing how sunlight changes the temperature of different ground materials, comparing warmer and cooler results.
  • K-PS3-2 Learners select available materials and construct a shelter model that lessens how much sun heats a given space, like a canopy or tent.
Science and Engineering Practices (all grades) (apply to every grade)

The eight practices

  • Asking questions (science) and defining problems (engineering).
  • Developing and using models.
  • Planning and carrying out investigations.
  • Analyzing and interpreting data.
  • Using mathematics and computational thinking.
  • Constructing explanations (science) and designing solutions (engineering).
  • Engaging in argument from evidence.
  • Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.
Crosscutting Concepts (all grades) (apply to every grade)

The seven crosscutting concepts

  • Patterns.
  • Cause and effect.
  • Scale, proportion, and quantity.
  • Systems and system models.
  • Energy and matter.
  • Structure and function.
  • Stability and change.

Tests and key dates

Check the WestEd, the NGSS Lead States or the National Academies for state tests and testing windows.

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NGSS Lead States. 2013. Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By States. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. *Next Generation Science Standards is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.

Codes are facts; the descriptions are our own summaries, not the official text. Always check the official document.

Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by WestEd, the NGSS Lead States or the National Academies.