Seeds of Change - NGSS Connections

This module prepares students to achieve the following elements from the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

Performance Expectations

HS-ETS1-3 Engineering Design; 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 Engineering Design; 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.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems; Humanity faces major global challenges today, such as the need for supplies of clean water and food or for energy sources that minimize pollution, which can be addressed through engineering. These global challenges also may have manifestations in local communities.

ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions; When evaluating solutions, it is important to take into account a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, and to consider social, cultural, and environmental impacts.

Cross-cutting Concept

Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World; New technologies can have deep impacts on society and the environment, including some that were not anticipated. Analysis of costs and benefits is a critical aspect of decisions about technology.

Science and Engineering Practices

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions; Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem, based on scientific knowledge, prioritized criteria, and tradeoff considerations.

Asking Questions and Defining Problems; Analyze complex real-world problems by specifying criteria and constraints for successful solutions.