Grades K-5 Curriculum
In the Troy School District, we believe that a quality education can help expand opportunities for all students.
Troy School District offers each student a World Class education and opportunities to attain his or her personal best. TSD embraces deep learning, character development & thoughtfulness, athletic achievement, and artistic exploration through the fine arts. Students are encouraged to pursue their passions from early childhood through career.
Elementary Curriculum Overview by Subject
View each grade level via the main page menu for expanded curriculum content
Math
Charts & Resources
Accessible Text below each image in this section, under accordion.
- Less/More Chart & Principles to Action Chart
- Learning Resources
- Course Guide & MI Math Standards
- Timeline
- Elementary Program Review
- World Class Pillar Overview
Less/More Chart & Principles to Action Chart
Accessible Text for Math Education Less/More Chart
Title: Math Education LESS/MORE Chart
Subtitle: Math Education will involve LESS / MORE:
- LESS: Focus on practicing procedures and memorizing basic number combinations.
- MORE: Focus on developing understanding of concepts and procedures through problem solving, reasoning, and discourse.
- LESS: Students using the same standard computational algorithms and the same prescribed methods to solve algebraic problems.
- MORE: Students having a range of strategies and approaches from which to choose in solving problems, including, but not limited to, general methods, standard algorithms, and procedures.
- LESS: Teachers telling students exactly what definitions, formulas, and rules they should know and demonstrating how to use this information to solve mathematical problems.
- MORE: Teachers engaging students in tasks that promote reasoning and problem solving and facilitating discourse that moves students toward shared understanding of mathematics.
- LESS: Memorizing information that is presented and then using it to solve routine problems on homework, quizzes, and tests.
- MORE: Students making sense of mathematic tasks by using varied strategies and representations, justifying solutions, making connections to prior knowledge and considering the reasoning of others.
- LESS: Guiding students step by step through problem solving to ensure they are not frustrated or confused.
- MORE: Providing students with appropriate challenge, encouraging perseverance in problem solving, and supporting productive struggle in mathematics.
- LESS: Same instruction for all.
- MORE: Differentiated instruction toward the same learning outcome.
Adapted from N.C.T.M. (2014). Principles to action: Ensuring mathematical success for all. Reston, Virginia
Learning Resources
Course Guide & MI Math Standards
Timeline
Accessible Text for Elementary Timeline Chart
Title: Elementary Math Timeline
Subtitle Title: 2019-2020 Research & Vision
- Engage in Principles to Actions and Catalyzing Change by N.C.T.M. documents in math leadership team.
- Develop a deeper understanding of best practices in the teaching and learning of mathematics.
- Learning and training in Math Recovery offered to classroom teachers.
- Survey all classroom teachers about current math practices in elementary classrooms.
- Establish a shared vision and develop a TSD math curriculum review Math Less More Chart and Effective Teaching Practices •Begin to explore curricula options and research neighboring district math programs.
- Research available materials for potential math resources and determine the scope of the early adopters and invite early adopter research team.
- Select two resources to review.
Subtitle: 2020-2021 Research, Vision & Explore
- Establish Math Specialists and Math Recovery Intervention at Elementary School.
- Professional learning for teachers and support for students in small group and 1-on-1 settings.
- Early Adopter researcher and review teams.
- Experience tasks from Bridges Math and Illustrative Math with Math Leadership Team members.
- Introduce materials provided from publisher and facilitators of available math programs.
- Invite district leaders, classroom teachers, and board members to visit Early Adopter Research Classrooms.
- Collect and review Early Research Teacher data.
- Invite teachers to join Early Adopter Team.
Subtitle: 2022-2023 Explore & Beginning Implementation
- Provide professional learning to all elementary math teachers on Connected Math (the first pilot curriculum) during the August back-to-school days.
- Support piloting teachers through job-embedded coaching with curriculum facilitators and planning and reflecting with math specialists.
- Collect quantitative and qualitative teacher and student data •Invite district leaders to visit piloting classrooms.
- Provide professional learning to all middle school math teachers on Illustrative Math (the second pilot curriculum) during the January professional learning day.
- Invite the School Board to visit piloting classrooms.
- Study pilot data with the curriculum review team and determine curriculum resource for adoption.
- Seek Board approval for curriculum resource.
- Create a plan for material distribution and professional learning for all math teachers.
Subtitle: 2023-2024 plus Implementation
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Support full implementation with professional learning, job-embedded coaching, and support from math specialists.
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Collect and review data and engage in a teaching and learning cycle with teachers.
Elementary Program Review
The Early Adopter Team includes 84 teachers (28% of classroom teachers) from all grade levels in 11 out of 12 elementary schools in the district. The elementary math specialists at each building are supporting teachers through co-planning, co-teaching, modeling, prepping materials, gathering, and reflecting with teachers and students. Teachers have access to attend cross district planning and collaboration time each month prior to each new unit, and teacher groups visit and observe early adopter classrooms in action through in and out of district classrooms.
World Class Pillar Overview
World Class Pillar Descriptions for Each Pillar
Early Childhood to Career (green)
Curriculum designed to educate and support children from their earliest years through graduation and beyond
Equity and Well-Being (red)
Understanding the needs and barriers that exist for children and provide access to resources to reach their full academic potential
Deepening Learning (blue)
Teaching children core tools to think critically, communicate and self-direct their own education to become lifelong learners
Building Capacity (gold)
Understanding a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses and implementing evidence-based strategies to build their capacity for learning
Curriculum By Grade
Kindergarten
Kindergarten children develop mathematical skills through "hands-on" activities and games. They become familiar with numbers 1-110 by counting by 1s, 2s, and 5s. The concepts of graphing, telling time, number patterns, fractions, and money are introduced. Children compare a variety of objects using their length, weight and volume; estimate measures; and use measurement tools. Number stories provide a way for young children to read and write numbers. Games are used as a concrete way of introducing a variety of topics, including the concepts of fairness and chance. Kindergartners will occasionally bring home Math Link "homework" assignments to explore with their family.
1st Grade
First graders experience a variety of math concepts. They use three-digit numbers for counting forward and backward, identifying larger and smaller numbers, and writing numbers from dictation. Games and activities involving number facts provide addition and subtraction practice. They expand on the skills taught in kindergarten with measuring, telling time, and reading and comparing temperatures on a thermometer. Children measure length in both inches and centimeters. Telling time on an analog clock to 5 minutes or to 1 minute will be practiced. First-grade students collect, organize, and display information using an assortment of graphs and tables. Children are actively involved in constructing and identifying 2- and 3-dimensional shapes, equivalent fractions, and a variety of patterns. These experiences are extended outside of the classroom with regular Home Link assignments.
2nd Grade
Second graders focus on thinking and communicating mathematically. The children have real-life math experiences in order to practice problem solving and build a true understanding of the mathematical concepts they need. Hands-on activities and math games are used to review and learn extended addition and subtraction facts. Students spend time sharing the strategies they used to solve mental math problems. They learn that there are a variety of ways to get the same answer. Students become familiar with arrays, which serve as the foundation for multiplication and division fact families.
Money becomes a basis for many math skills in second grade. Students are expected to know the values of coins and the exchange value among U.S. coins. The calculator is used for entering and computing money amounts. Graphing, calendar skills, geometry concepts, and telling time are taught throughout the year. As with the other grade levels, parent involvement with Home Links is an important part of the program.
3rd Grade
Third graders focus on fact families in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They continue developing strategies for multi-digit addition and subtraction problems. Learning multiplication facts through the 10s is a goal this year. Other third-grade skills include understanding large numbers in addition to working with small numbers using equivalent fractions and decimals (to the thousandths). They continue the study of geometry, negative numbers, calculator skills, telling time, and geometry.
Practical application of measurement skills includes linear, weight, and capacity with customary and metric units. Students perform probability experiments that provide information for analyzing data and predicting outcomes. Third graders will have Home Links homework on a regular basis.
4th Grade
Fourth graders explore geometry concepts and apply shape properties to create geometric figures. They use several different techniques to find the perimeter and area of assorted shapes. Children in fourth grade apply their knowledge of math facts to fact extensions, such as 4 X 8 = 32 so 40 X 80 = 3200, and develop strategies for multi-digit multiplication problems. They use their knowledge of estimation, place value, and the relationship between multiplication and division to develop a division strategy.
Children are able to apply a variety of strategies for adding or subtracting multi-digit numbers and can apply them to situations involving decimal values. In the fourth grade, children use manipulatives to conduct probability experiments and to explore equivalent decimals and percents. Homework pages are now called Math Links.
Fourth-grade students experience a yearlong project, the World Tour. They "travel" to Washington, D.C. from Troy and then "visit" five other regions of the world. Math skills include reading tables for information, collecting numerical data, using map scales to estimate distance, locating points on a grid, and using latitude and longitude for locations on Earth. Children are also involved in performing experiments and conducting surveys where they have the opportunity to collect and organize data, display the information, and analyze and interpret the results.
5th Grade
In fifth grade, students continue to investigate naming numbers in a variety of ways, including factors, exponents, fractions, decimals. They continue to practice with the division algorithm and apply their strategies for whole-number computation to decimals.
Fractions are used in measurement, equivalent forms, ratios, and addition and subtraction situations. Decimal and percent concepts are extended to equivalent forms, number lines, grids, probability, and circle graphs. Fifth graders use manipulatives to explore negative numbers and simple algebraic expressions and problems. They link their measurement and algebra skills by using formulas to find perimeters, areas, and volumes of shapes and solids. They continue their study of geometry, working with angles, 2-D and 3-D figures, and corresponding math tools.
Fifth graders participate in a yearlong American Tour. They examine changes in population, societal trends, demographics, and geography of the United States from its beginnings to the present. This integrated project allows students to use mathematics as a tool in a variety of applications. As with the other grade levels, parent involvement with Math Links is an important part of the program.
Bridges in Math
ELA - English Language Arts
Science
Parent Guides & Science Standards
Parent Guides to NGSS Grades K-12, Science Standards & Charts
- Accessible Text for Michigan K-12 Standards Science Guide
- Accessible Text for Preparing Students for a Lifetime of Success Grades K-2
Accessible Text for Michigan K-12 Standards Science Guide
Title: Michigan K-12 Standards Science November 2015
Subtitle / Logo: Michigan Department of Education
Page 2 of 34: Michigan State Board of Education
Page 3 of 34: Table of Contents
- Overview of the Standards, Page 4
- Why These Standards
- Organization and Structure of the Performance Expectations
- Implementation
- Michigan Specific Contexts
- Supplemental Guidance
- Kindergarten Performance Expectations, Page 9
- First (1st) Grade Performance Expectations, Page 11
- Second (2nd) Grade Performance Expectations, Page 12
- Third (3rd) Grade Performance Expectations, Page 14
- Fourth (4th) Grade Performance Expectations, Page 16
- Fifth (5th) Grade Performance Expectations, Page 18
- Middle School (Grades 6-8) Performance Expectations, Page 20
- High School (Grades 9-12) Performance Expectations, Page 26
Page 4-8 of 34: The Role of Science Standards in Michigan
The Role of Science Standards in Michigan According to the dictionary, a standard is “something considered by an authority or by general consent as a basis of comparison.” Today’s world is replete with standards documents such as standards of care, standards of quality, and even standard operating procedures. These various sets of standards serve to outline agreed-upon expectations, rules, or actions, which guide practice and provide a platform for evaluating or comparing these practices.
One such set of standards is the academic standards that a governing body may have for the expected outcomes of students. In Michigan, these standards, are used to outline learning expectations for Michigan’s students, and are intended to guide local curriculum development and assessment of student progress. The Michigan Science Standards are performance expectations for students. They are not curriculum and they do not specify classroom instruction. Standards should be used by schools as a framework for curriculum development with the curriculum itself prescribing instructional resources, methods, progressions, and additional knowledge valued by the local community. Since Michigan is a “local control” state, local school districts and public school academies can use these standards in this manner to make decisions about curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
At the state level, these standards provide a platform for state assessments, which are used to measure how well schools are providing opportunities for all students to learn the content outlined by the standards. The standards also impact other statewide policies, such as considerations for teacher certification and credentials, school improvement, and accountability, to name a few.
The standards in this document identify the student performance outcomes for students in topics of science and engineering. These standards replace the Michigan Science Standards adopted in 2006, which were published as the Grade Level Content Expectations and High School Content Expectations for science.
Why These Standards? There is no question that students need to be prepared to apply basic scientific knowledge to their lives and to their careers, regardless of whether they are planning STEM based careers or not. In 2011, the National Research Council released A Framework for v. 11/2015 Page 5 of 34 K-12 Science Education,1 which set forth guidance for science standards development based on the research on how students learn best. This extensive body of research suggests students need to be engaged in doing science by engaging the same practices used by scientists and engineers. Furthermore, students should engage in science and engineering practices in the context of core ideas that become ever more sophisticated as students move through school. Students also need to see the connections of these disciplinary-based core ideas to the bigger science concepts that cross disciplinary lines. The proposed Michigan standards are built on this research-based framework. The framework was used in the development of the Next Generation Science Standards, for which Michigan was a lead partner. The Michigan Science Standards are derived from this effort, utilizing the student performance expectations and their relevant coding (for reference purposes). These standards are intended to guide local curricular design, leaving room for parents, teachers, and schools to surround the standards with local decisions about curriculum and instruction. Similarly, because these standards are performance expectations, they will be used to guide state assessment development.
Organization and Structure of the Performance Expectations Michigan’s science standards are organized by grade level K-5, and then by grade span in middle school and high school. The K-5 grade level organization reflects the developmental nature of learning for elementary students in a manner that attends to the important learning progressions toward basic foundational understandings. By the time students reach traditional middle school grades (6-8), they can begin to build on this foundation to develop more sophisticated understandings of science concepts within and across disciplines. This structure also allows schools to design local courses and pathways that make sense for their students and available instructional resources.
Michigan’s prior standards for science were organized by grade level through 7th grade. Because these standards are not a revision, but were newly designed in their entirety, it was decided that the use of the grade level designations in the traditional middle grades (6-8) would be overly inhibiting to apply universally to all schools in Michigan. Such decisions do not specifically restrict local school districts from collaborating at a local or regional level to standardize instruction at these levels. Therefore, it is recommended that each school, district, or region utilize assessment oriented grade bands (K-2, 3-5, 68, 9-12) to organize curriculum and instruction around the standards. MDE will provide guidance on appropriate strategies or organization for such efforts to be applied locally in each school district or public school academy.
Within each grade level/span the performance expectations are organized around topics. While each topical cluster of performance expectations addresses the topic, the wording of each performance expectation reflects the three-dimensions of science learning outlined in A Framework for K-12 Science Education: cross-cutting concepts, disciplinary core ideas, and science and engineering practices. FOOTNOTE: 1 A New Conceptual Framework." A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 2012.
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…
- Patterns
- Cause and Effect
- Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
- Systems and System Models
- Energy and Matter in Systems
- Structure and Function
- Stability and Change of Systems
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.
Coding Hierarchy: 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 3rd 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 for standards.
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:
- Asking questions and defining problems
- Developing and using models
- Planning and carrying out investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Using mathematics and computational thinking
- Constructing explanations and designing solutions
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Implementation: It is extremely important to remember that the research calls for instruction and assessments to blend the three dimensions (CCC, DCI, and Practices). It is this working together of the three dimensions that will allow all children to explain scientific phenomena, design solutions to problems, and build a foundation upon which they can continue to learn and be able to apply science knowledge and skills within and outside the K-12 education arena. While each PE incorporates these three dimensions into its wording, this alone does not drive student outcomes. Ultimately, student learning depends on how the standards are integrated in instructional practices in the classroom. There are several resources based on the National Research Council’s A Framework for K-12 Science Education that were developed for educators to utilize in planning curriculum, instruction, and professional development. These include resources developed by Michigan K-12 and higher education educators, with plans to develop more guided by the needs of the field as implementation moves forward. This includes assessment guidance for the Michigan Department of Education, local districts, and educators.
Michigan Specific Contexts Because the student performance expectations were developed to align to a general context for all learners, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) works with a variety of stakeholders to identify Michigan-specific versions of the standards for student performance expectations that address issues directly relevant to our state such as its unique location in the Great Lakes Basin, Michigan-specific flora and fauna, and our state’s rich history and expertise in scientific research and engineering. These versions of the performance expectations allow for local, regional, and state-specific contexts for learning and assessment. In addition to the specific performance expectations that frame more general concepts and phenomena in a manner that is directly relevant to our state, there are also a number of performance expectations which allow for local, regional, or state-specific problems to be investigated by students, or for students to demonstrate understandings through more localized contexts. Both of these types of performance expectations are identified in the following standards, as well as in the accompanying guidance document, which also identifies both clarification statements and assessment boundaries. The Michigan specific performance expectations should be used by educators to frame local assessment efforts. State level assessments will specifically address the performance expectations with Michigan-specific contexts.
MDE is collaborating with multiple statewide partners to generate a list of support materials for the state standards that focuses on resources and potential strategies for introducing or exploring DCIs through a local, regional, or statewide lens to make the learning more engaging and authentic. These contextual connections are not included in the specific performance expectations, as educators should merely use these as recommendations for investigation with students, and assessment developers have the opportunity to use these to develop specific examples or scenarios from which students would demonstrate their general understanding. This approach provides the opportunity for educators to draw upon Michigan’s natural environment and rich history and resources in engineering design and scientific research to support student learning.
Michigan Educator Guidance: The Michigan Science Standards within this document are the performance expectations for students in grades K-12 for science and engineering practices, cross cutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas of science and engineering. In order to be able to develop and guide instruction to address the standards for all students, Michigan educators will need access to a range of guidance and resources that provide additional support for the teaching and learning of science. This guidance will be developed and shared with Michigan educators following the adoption of the proposed standards. The MDE provides additional guidance based upon educator needs and requests, and utilizes support from practicing Michigan educators and educational leaders to develop such guidance or tools to aid in the implementation of the standards.
Accompanying this standards document will be a range of resources provided to educators and assessment developers to help frame the learning context and instructional considerations of the performance expectations. Such guidance will include appropriate connections and references to the Science and Engineering Practices, the Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI), and Cross Cutting Concepts (CCC) that frame each performance expectation. External partners, including the Michigan Mathematics and Science Center Network, Michigan Science Teachers Association, and National Science Teachers Association, and professional development providers in Michigan, will utilize the coding references of the standards to provide additional resources to Michigan educators.
The MDE will provide ongoing support to educators through guidance and professional learning resources, which will be updated regularly. Additional information and references can be found at http://michigan.gov/science.
Pages 9-10: Title: Kindergarten
Forces and Interactions: Pushes and Pulls
K-PS2-1 Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object.
K-PS2-2 Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.* Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Animals, Plants, and Their Environment
K-LS1-1 Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.**
K-ESS2-2 Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs.
K-ESS3-1 Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.
K-ESS3-3 Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment. * ** Weather and Climate
K-PS3-1 Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface.
K-PS3-2 Use tools and materials to design and build a structure that will reduce the warming effect of sunlight on an area. *
K-ESS2-1 Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.**
K-ESS3-2 Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather. * **
Engineering Design
K-2-ETS1-1 Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-2-ETS1-2 Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
K-2-ETS1-3 Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.
FOOTNOTE: * - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. ++- Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Page 11: Title: 1st Grade
Waves: Light and Sound
1-PS4-1 Plan and conduct investigations to provide evidence that vibrating materials can make sound and that sound can make materials vibrate.
1-PS4-2 Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects can be seen only when illuminated.
1-PS4-3 Plan and conduct an investigation to determine the effect of placing objects made with different materials in the path of a beam of light.
1-PS4-4 Use tools and materials to design and build a device that uses light or sound to solve the problem of communicating over a distance.* Structure, Function, and Information Processing
1-LS1-1 Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs. *
1-LS1-2 Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive.
1-LS3-1 Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents. Space Systems: Patterns and Cycles
1-ESS1-1 Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
1-ESS1-2 Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year. **
Engineering Design
K-2-ETS1-1 Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-2-ETS1-2 Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
K-2-ETS1-3 Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.
FOOTNOTE: * - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. ++- Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Pages 12-13: Title: 2nd Grade
Structure and Properties of Matter
2-PS1-1 Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.
2-PS1-2 Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose. *
2-PS1-3 Make observations to construct an evidence-based account of how an object made of a small set of pieces can be disassembled and made into a new object.
2-PS1-4 Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot. Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
2-LS2-1 Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow. **
2-LS2-2 Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants. *
2-LS4-1 Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats. **
Earth’s Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth
2-ESS1-1 Use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events can occur quickly or slowly. *
2-ESS2-1 Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land. * **
2-ESS2-2 Develop a model to represent the shapes and kinds of land and bodies of water in an area.
2-ESS2-2 MI Develop a model to represent the state of Michigan and the Great Lakes, or a more local land area and water body.
2-ESS2-3 Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid. **
2-ESS2-3 MI Obtain information to identify where fresh water is found on Earth, including the Great Lakes and Great Lakes Basin.
Engineering Design
K-2-ETS1-1 Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-2-ETS1-2 Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
K-2-ETS1-3 Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.
FOOTNOTE: * - Integrates traditional science content with engineering. ++- Includes a Michigan specific performance expectation.
**- Allow for local, regional, or Michigan specific contexts or examples in teaching and assessment.
Accessible Text for Preparing Students for a Lifetime of Success Grades K-2
Title: Preparing Students for a Lifetime of Success Understanding New Science Standards for Grades K-2
Pages 1-2
How will we prepare students for academic success? Many states have adopted new standards based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) because they understand that a robust science education in elementary school will pave the way for increased opportunities in middle school, high school, and college. The NGSS enable teachers to offer all students interactive science instruction that promotes analysis and interpretation of data, critical thinking, problem solving, and connections across science disciplines—with a high set of expectations for achievement in grades K–2.
The science standards complement English/ Language Arts and mathematics standards, enabling classroom instruction to reflect a clearer picture of the real world, where solving problems often requires skills and knowledge from multiple disciplines. Further, these standards are designed to provide an equitable, high-quality science education to all students.
What is our vision for science education? The NGSS reflect the latest research and advances in modern science. In order to equip students to think critically, analyze information, and solve complex problems, the standards are arranged such that— from elementary through high school—students have multiple opportunities to build on the knowledge and skills gained during each grade, by revisiting important concepts and expanding their understanding of connections across scientific domains. Parents should understand that while some content might be similar to the past, it may look different from how they were taught. As the science standards are implemented in schools and districts, they will enable students to:
- Develop a deeper understanding of science beyond memorizing facts, and
- Experience similar scientific and engineering practices as those used by professionals in the field.
How will students learn science in the classroom? Each year, students should be able to demonstrate greater capacity for connecting knowledge across, and between, the physical sciences, life sciences, earth and space sciences, and engineering design. During grades K–2, your child will begin to form connections between concepts and skills such as understanding relationships between objects, planning and carrying out investigations, and constructing explanations.
Upon completion of grades K–2, your child should have a deeper understanding of:
- Motion and properties of matter;
- Relationship between sound and vibrating materials;
- Factors that impact what plants and animals need to survive; and
- How objects can be changed or improved through engineering.
Physical Sciences: Physical sciences during grades K–2 may explore questions including:
- How does pushing or pulling an object change the speed or direction of its motion?
- How do objects change motion when they touch or collide?
- What are some effects of sunlight on earth’s surface?
Life Sciences: Life Sciences during grades K–2 may explore questions including:
- What do plants and animals need to live and grow?
- How does the insect survive the winter if the plant is dead?
- How are parents and their children similar and different?
Earth and Space Sciences: Earth and space sciences during grades K–2 may explore questions including:
- What are the different kinds of lands and bodies of water?
- Why is it usually cooler in the mornings than in the afternoons?
- What objects are in the sky and how do they seem to move?
Engineering Design: Engineering design during grades K–2 may explore questions including:
- What is a local example of engineering design?
- What materials were used to construct the project?
- What kinds of problems can be solved through engineering?
For additional information about academic expectations for students in Grades K-2, visit www.nextgenscience.org/parentguides.
How can you support your child’s success?
Although this new approach to teaching and learning K–12 science is different than the past, you can still actively support your child’s success in the classroom!
- Speak to your child’s teacher(s) or principal about how these important changes affect your school.
- Ask your child’s teacher thoughtful questions based on the information provided in this brochure.
- Learn how you can help the teacher(s) reinforce classroom instruction at home.
Page 3: Title: Classroom activities in Elementary School will look more/less like this:
LESS: Students have infrequent exposure to science instruction or related activities.
MORE: Students engage with science concepts as a core part of instruction and are encouraged to connect lessons to their own personal experiences.
LESS: Students memorize the general structure and properties of matter.
MORE: Students use water and butter to investigate how some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed while others cannot.
LESS: Students examine insects or bugs on the playground or during special events such as science fairs.
MORE: Students observe the life cycles of beetles, butterflies, and pea plants to identify patterns that are common to all living things.
LESS: Students draw static pictures of the sun to demonstrate where it is at different times of the day.
MORE: Students support claims about the movement of the sun by identifying an outdoor object that receives direct sunlight, then tracing an outline of its shadow at three different times during the day.
LESS: Students have infrequent exposure to discussions or activities related to engineering design.
MORE: Students consider or apply engineering design principles throughout each grade level.
LESS: Student discussions and activities are disconnected from mathematics or English/Language Arts instruction.
MORE: Student discussions and activities are thoughtfully integrated with mathematics and English/Language Arts instruction.
Page 4: Title: About NGSS: Reshaping Science Education for All Students
To better prepare American students for college and careers, schools need to ensure that quality science education is accessible to all students— regardless of ethnicity or zip code. In an effort to bolster America’s competitive edge in an increasingly global economy, 26 states led the development of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by working with teachers, higher education, business, and practicing scientists. This collaborative process produced a set of high quality, college- and career-ready K–12 academic standards that set meaningful expectations for student performance and achievement in science. The NGSS are rich in both content and practice and arranged in a coherent manner across all disciplines and grades.
Fact: “Standards” are not “curriculum”. “Standards” provide clarity about what students should know and be able to do by the end of each grade level. “Curriculum” refers to how students meet those expectations. Please contact your child’s teacher or school if you have questions about their curriculum.
Three Dimensions of Science Learning The NGSS emphasizes three distinct, yet equally important dimensions that help students learn science. Each dimension is integrated into the NGSS and—combined—the three dimensions build a powerful foundation to help students build a cohesive understanding of science over time.
INFOGRAPHIC DESCRIPTION & TEXT: 3-sided object with a word on each side and word descriptions off to the side.
Infographic Word - Side 1: Practices
Description Text: Standard behaviors that scientists and engineers use to explain the world or solve problems
Infographic Word - Side 2: Crosscutting Concepts
Description Text: Frameworks for scientific thinking across disciplines
Infographic Word - Side 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas
Description Text: Fundamental scientific knowledge
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K-12 Science Practices & Concepts
Science & Engineering Practices
The K-12 Science and Engineering Practices, show below represent the ongoing behavior or students as they build understanding of core ideas.
1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
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 (for science) and Designing Solutions (for engineering)
7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence
8. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Crosscutting Practices
The K-12 Crosscutting Concepts, shown below, are overarching themes that span multiple scientific disciplines and connect core disciplinary ideas.
1. Patterns
2. Cause and Effect
3. Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
4. Systems and Systems Models
5. Energy and Matter in Systems
6. Structure and Function
7. Stability and Change of Systems
Curriculum Development Phases
Accessible Text for Curriculum Development Phases Chart
Title: Curriculum Development Phases Chart
Phase 1: Assemble a content area Curriculum design team made up of teachers and administrators to review district data, best instructional practices, state and national standards, district goals, and content area needs. Research: Year 1.
Phase 2: Review and analyze resources that match district needs. If necessary, conduct a pilot student. Seek approvals. Resources: Year 1.
Phase 3: Develop curriculum outlines for each new or revised unit of student with essential questions, standards alignment pacing guides, and assessments. Provide necessary professional learning. Mapping: Years 1 and 2.
Phase 4: Implement new units of study. Review assessment data. Based on data, adjust unit maps, assessments, or instructional strategies as needed. Provide professional learning and ongoing teacher support as needed. Implementation: Years 2 and 3.
Social Studies
- Kindergarten Social Studies Curriculum
- 1st Grade Social Studies Curriculum
- 2nd Grade Social Studies Curriculum
- 3rd Grade Social Studies Curriculum
- 4th Grade Social Studies Curriculum
- 5th Grade Social Studies Curriculum
Kindergarten Social Studies Curriculum
Kindergarten Curriculum
Through the Kindergarten curriculum, "Myself and Others", children learn about the world around them, starting with their own classroom and expanding into their community, country, and world. Through a variety of classroom experiences, students begin to develop skills in history, geography, economics, and civics. Kindergarteners experience how stories, poems, and songs relate to their world. Good citizenship skills are emphasized as students learn to make good choices and help others. Students begin to explore the core democratic values.
1st Grade Social Studies Curriculum
1st Grade Curriculum
Unit 1: Civics
Unit 2: History & Geography
Unit 2: History & Geography
- Distinguish Between Producers & Consumers
- Distinguish Between Goods & Services
- Scarcity & Choice
- Why People Trade
- How To Earn Money
- Why People Use Money
- Distinguish Between Past, Present & Future
- Investigate Family History
- Use Historical Sources to Draw Conclusions About Family and School Life In Past
- Compare Life Today to Life In The Past
- U.S. Holidays
Unit 3: Geography
Unit 3: Geography
- Construct Maps to Show Aerial Perspective
- Use Absolute & Relative Location
- Use Maps to Distinguish Between Landforms & Water
- Distinguish Between Physical & Human Characteristics
- Describe boundaries of Different School Regions
- Describe Diversity in Family Life
- Describe How We Modify & Adapt to Physical Environment
The first grade social studies curriculum, “My School and Family,” introduces students to their world as they explore their own school, family, neighborhood, and country. First grade students compare and contrast families and schools of today with those of the past, while discovering the important part natural resources, government, and citizenship play in their lives. Students are taught skills in history, geography, civics, economics, problem solving, and study skills, with literature being used to reinforce these social studies concepts. They learn that although their world consists of diverse peoples, we all have a lot in common. First graders continue to expand their knowledge of citizenship as they explore the core democratic values.
2nd Grade Social Studies Curriculum
2nd Grade Curriculum
Unit 1: Civics
Unit 2: History & Geography
Unit 2: History & Geography
- History of Troy Community
- Chronological Thinking
- Different Perspectives in History
- Troy Community Change Over Time
- Troy Community Maps Through Time
- Spatial Organization of Troy
- Physical & Human Characteristics of Troy
- Community Land Use
- City of Troy Culture & Diversity
- Interacting and Preserving Troy’s Environment
Unit 3: Economics
The social studies curriculum in second grade focuses on the concept of community and includes an in depth study of Troy, past and present. Through interactive experiences, students gain knowledge about their community’s history, government, economics, and geography, while learning problem solving and study skills. Students compare their own community with others around the country and world, discovering similarities and differences. Second grade students continue to explore the core democratic values.
3rd Grade Social Studies Curriculum
3rd Grade Curriculum
Unit 1: Civics
Unit 2: Geography
Unit 3: History & Economics
Unit 3: History
- Exploration to Statehood (1837)
- Indigenous Beliefs / Histories
- Interaction / Modification of Environment
- Indigenous / Explorers Interactions
- Daily Life in Settlements
- Statehood Timeline / Major Events
Unit 3: Economics
- Scarcity / Choice / Opportunity Cost
- Influence of Incentives
- Role of Location / Natural Resources in Economic Development
- Entrepreneurs & Natural / Human / Capital Resources à Goods & Services
- Entrepreneurship
- Specialization & Interdependence
- International Economy / Trade
The third grade social studies curriculum focuses on regions. Students begin by examining regional communities in Michigan and then go on to explore the five regions of the United States. Students actively participate in inquiry-based lessons that emphasize knowledge of history, geography, economics, and political science as they compare and contrast the US regions. Third graders continue to expand their knowledge of citizenship as they further explore the core democratic values.
4th Grade Social Studies Curriculum
4th Grade Curriculum
Unit 1: Civics
Unit 1: Civics
- Purpose of Government / Preamble
- Limiting Powers of Federal Government
- Rights Guaranteed by Constitution
- Powers of Federal / State / Tribal / Local Govt
- Structure of Federal Government
- President / Congress / Elections / Supreme Court
- Federal Taxing & Spending – Functions of Govt
- Civic Responsibilities / Civic Rights / Citizenship
Unit 2: History & Economics
Unit 2: History
- Statehood (1837) to Present
- Economic Development & Resources
- Economic Activity in Past & Present
- Underground Railroad
- Automobile Industry Beginnings
- Emergence of Labor Movement
- Threats to Natural Resources / Govt Response
Unit 2: Economics
- Good / Services & Economic Questions
- Characteristics of Market Economies
- Positive / Negative Incentives
- Substitute / Complementary Goods
- Specialization & Division of Labor
- Competition: Buyers & Sellers
- Role of Money in Exchange of Goods & Services
- Factors of Unemployment / Employment
Unit 3: Geography
Fourth grade students take part in an in-depth study of Michigan’s geography, history, economics, and government. Students are given the opportunity to discover differences and similarities between Michigan and other states. Students use knowledge of core democratic values to take a stand on current public policy issues.
5th Grade Social Studies Curriculum
5th Grade Curriculum
- Unit 1: Beginnings to 1620
- Unit 2: Colonization & Settlement - 1585-1763
- Unit 3: Revolution & New Nation - 1754-1800
Unit 1: Beginnings to 1620
Unit 2: Colonization & Settlement - 1585-1763
Unit 2:
Colonization & Settlement 1585-1763
- European Struggle For Control
- Southern / New England / Middle Colonies
- Patterns of Settlement
- Impact of Geography / Economies
- Human Interactions / Economies
- European Slave Trade & Slavery in Colonial America
- Triangular Trade Routes / Goods & People
- Middle Passage
- Life of Enslaved
- Maintenance of Culture & Histories
- Life in Colonial America
- Daily Lives & Differing Perspectives
- Emerging Labor Forces
- Regional Differences
Unit 3: Revolution & New Nation - 1754-1800
Unit 3:
Revolution & New Nation 1754-1800
- French & Indian War
- Cause / Effect of Major Events
- Differing Views on Representative Government
- Role of 1st & 2nd Continental Congress
- Declaration of Independence
- Key Players
- Revolution & Its Consequences
- Advantages / Disadvantages
- Course of War / Treaty of Paris
- Creating The Constitution
- Articles of Confederation / Challenges /
- Constitutional Convention / Compromise / Slavery
- Ratification / Federalism / Bill of Rights
Students in fifth grade study the historical development of the United States, from the settlement by native peoples through colonization and, later, the American Revolution. They focus on the major events and people that have impacted our country's development. Fifth graders are introduced to ways in which business and industry have affected the economy over the years. Through interactive lessons, geography, problem solving, and study skills are expanded. Students also increase analytical skills by taking a position on an issue, and writing persuasive arguments on topics of social relevance. Fifth grade students further their knowledge and understanding of core democratic values upon which our government is based.
Accessible Text for Social Studies and Science Sequence Grades K-5 Chart
Title: Social Studies and Science Sequence: Grades K-5
Column 1 Title: *Social Studies Unit 1
Kindergarten:
- Civics
- Rules, Fairness, Resolving Conflict
1st Grade:
- Civics1
- Rules, Values, & Civic Participation
2nd Grade:
- Civics
- Purpose, Values, & Structure of Local Government
3rd Grade:
- Civics
- Natural Disasters
4th Grade:
- Civics
- National, State, & Local Structures of Government
5th Grade:
- The Atlantic World to 1620
Column 2 Title: Science 1
Kindergarten:
- Earth Science/ Geography Social Studies
- Weather
1st Grade:
- Earth Science
- Space Systems
2nd Grade:
- Earth Changes
3rd Grade:
- Earth Science
- Weather & Climate
4th Grade:
- Earth Science & Geography
- Processes That Shape Earth
5th Grade:
- Earth Systems
Column 3 Title: Social Studies Unit 2
Kindergarten:
- History
- Recognizing The Past
1st Grade:
- History / Geo
- Families & Schools
2nd Grade:
- History / Geography
- City of Troy
3rd Grade:
- Geography
- Michigan Roads & Infrastructure
4th Grade:
- History
- Michigan Beyond Statehood
5th Grade:
- The Colonies
- 1620-1763
Column 4 Title: Science 2
Kindergarten:
- Physical Science
- Push & Pull
1st Grade:
- Physical Science
- Light & Sound
2nd Grade:
- Physical Science
- Matter
3rd Grade:
- Physical Science
- Forces & Interactions
4th Grade:
- Physical Science
- Energy & Waves (Cause & Effect)
5th Grade:
- Physical Science
- Properties of Matter
Column 5 Title: Social Studies Unit 3
Kindergarten:
- Economics
- Needs & Wants
1st Grade:
- Economics
- Needs, Wants, & Choices
2nd Grade:
- Economics
- Business Community & Consumers
3rd Grade:
- History & Economics
- Road To Statehood
4th Grade:
- Economics & Geography
- Michigan Markets & Migration
5th Grade:
- American Revolution
- 1763-1800
Column 6 Title: Science 3
Kindergarten:
- Life Science
- Plants & Animals
1st Grade:
- Life Science
- Structures & Function
2nd Grade:
- Life Science
- Plant & Animal Relationships
3rd Grade:
- Life Science
- Life Cycle & Ecosystems
4th Grade:
- Life Science
- Structure, Function & Information Processing
5th Grade:
- Life Science
- Matter in Ecosystems
FOOTNOTES:
Social Studies Storyline
-
Kindergarten = Me & My World
-
1st Grade = Me & My School Community
-
2nd Grade = Our Troy Community
-
3rd Grade = Michigan History to 1837
-
4th Grade = Michigan History from 1837 / United States
-
5th Grade = U.S. Origin Story (Exploration & Settlement / Colonial Development / American Revolution)
-
* First 10 Civics lessons in all grade levels includes a focus on Culturally Responsive Read Alouds, Identity, and Community Belonging
ELD
Accessible Text for W.I.D.A Guiding Principles of Language Development Flyer
Title: WIDA Guiding Principles of Language Development
Subtitle: These updated Guiding Principles of Language Development and Learning exemplify WIDA’s overarching and ever-present Can Do Philosophy.
- Multilingual learners’ languages and cultures are valuable resources to be leveraged for schooling and classroom life; leveraging these assets and challenging biases help develop multilingual learners’ independence and encourage their agency in learning (Little, Dam, & Legenhausen, 2017; Moll, Amanti, Neff, & González, 1992; Nieto & Bode, 2018; Perley, 2011).
- Multilingual learners’ development of multiple languages enhances their knowledge and cultural bases, their intellectual capacities, and their flexibility in language use (Arellano, Liu, Stoker, & Slama, 2018; Escamilla, Hopewell, Butvilofsky, Sparrow, Soltero-González, Ruiz-Figueroa, & Escamilla, 2013; Genesee, n.d.; Potowski, 2007).
- Multilingual learners’ language development and learning occur over time through meaningful engagement in activities that are valued in their homes, schools and communities (Engeström, 2009; Larsen-Freeman, 2018; van Lier, 2008; Wen, 2008).
- Multilingual learners’ language, social-emotional, and cognitive development are inter- related processes that contribute to their success in school and beyond (Aldana & Mayer, 2014; Barac & Bialystok, 2012; Gándara, 2015; Sánchez-López & Young, 2018).
- Multilingual learners use and develop language when opportunities for learning take into account their individual experiences, characteristics, abilities, and levels of language proficiency (Gibbons, 2002; Swain, Kinnear, & Steinman, 2015; TESOL International Association, 2018; Vygotsky, 1978).
- Multilingual learners use and develop language through activities which intentionally integrate multiple modalities, including oral, written, visual, and kinesthetic modes of communication (Choi & Yi, 2015; Jewitt, 2008; van Lier, 2006; Zwiers & Crawford, 2011).
- Multilingual learners use and develop language to interpret and access information, ideas, and concepts from a variety of sources, including real-life objects, models, representations, and multimodal texts (Ajayl, 2009; Cope & Kalantzis, 2009; Jewitt, 2009; Kervin & Derewianka, 2011).
- Multilingual learners draw on their metacognitive, metalinguistic, and metacultural awareness to develop effectiveness in language use (Bialystok & Barac, 2012; Casey & Ridgeway-Gillis, 2011; Gottlieb & Castro, 2017; Jung, 2013).
- Multilingual learners use their full linguistic repertoire, including translanguaging practices, to enrich their language development and learning (García, Johnson, & Seltzer, 2017; Hornberger & Link, 2012; Wei, 2018).
- Multilingual learners use and develop language to interpret and present different perspectives, build awareness of relationships, and affirm their identities (Cummins, 2001; Esteban-Guitart & Moll, 2014; May, 2013, Nieto, 2010).
Multilingual learners refers to all children and youth who are, or have been, consistently exposed to multiple languages. It includes students known as English language learners (ELLs) or dual language learners (DLLs); heritage language learners; and students who speak varieties of English or indigenous languages.
WIDA is housed within the Wisconsin Center for Education Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. © 2019 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, on behalf of WIDA.