STEELS and NGSS Alignment


STEELS to NGSS Standards Mapping Crosswalk

Disclaimer: This mapping represents a best guess at alignment between frameworks. This crosswalk maps performance expectations directly to their corresponding standards hosted on The Wonder of Science website.

3.1 Life Science

Elementary School (Kindergarten - Grade 5)

STEELS Code STEELS Performance Expectation NGSS Link Assessments
3.1.K.A Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals...
3.1.1.A Use materials to design a solution to a human problem...
3.1.1.B Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior...
3.1.1.C Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants...
3.1.2.A Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need...
3.1.2.B Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an...
3.1.2.C Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity...
3.1.3.A Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse...
3.1.3.B Construct an argument that some animals form groups that help...
3.1.3.C Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and...
3.1.3.D Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be...
3.1.3.E Analyze and interpret data from fossils to provide evidence of...
3.1.3.F Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations...
3.1.3.G Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat...
3.1.3.H Make a claim supported by evidence about the merit of...
3.1.4.A Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and...
3.1.4.B Use a model to describe that animals receive different types...
3.1.5.A Support an argument that plants get the materials they need...
3.1.5.B Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among...

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

STEELS Code STEELS Performance Expectation NGSS Link Assessments
3.1.6-8.A Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are...
3.1.6-8.B Develop and use a model to describe the function of...
3.1.6-8.C Use arguments supported by evidence for how the body is...
3.1.6-8.D Use arguments based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to...
3.1.6-8.E Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental...
3.1.6-8.F Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role...
3.1.6-8.G Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through...
3.1.6-8.H Gather and synthesize information about how sensory receptors respond to...
3.1.6-8.I Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects...
3.1.6-8.J Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms...
3.1.6-8.K Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and...
3.1.6-8.L Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to...
3.1.6-8.M Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes...
3.1.6-8.N Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction...
3.1.6-8.O Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record...
3.1.6-8.P Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for anatomical similarities...
3.1.6-8.Q Analyze displays of pictorial data to compare patterns of similarities...
3.1.6-8.R Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that have changed...
3.1.6-8.S Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic...
3.1.6-8.T Use mathematical representations to support explanations of how natural selection...
3.1.6-8.U Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services...

High School (Grades 9-12)

STEELS Code STEELS Performance Expectation NGSS Link Assessments
3.1.9-12.A Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure...
3.1.9-12.B Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization...
3.1.9-12.C Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback...
3.1.9-12.D Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division...
3.1.9-12.E Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy...
3.1.9-12.F Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how...
3.1.9-12.G Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a...
3.1.9-12.H Use mathematical representations to support claims for the cycling of...
3.1.9-12.I Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of...
3.1.9-12.J Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the...
3.1.9-12.K Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and...
3.1.9-12.L Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on...
3.1.9-12.M Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex...
3.1.9-12.N Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the...
3.1.9-12.O Evaluate the evidence for the role of group behavior on...
3.1.9-12.P Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA...
3.1.9-12.Q Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable...
3.1.9-12.R Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation...
3.1.9-12.S Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are...
3.1.9-12.T Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of...
3.1.9-12.U Apply concepts of statistics and probability to support explanations that...
3.1.9-12.V Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to...
3.1.9-12.W Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection...
3.1.9-12.X Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions...

3.2 Physical Science

Elementary School (Kindergarten - Grade 5)

STEELS Code STEELS Performance Expectation NGSS Link Assessments
3.2.K.A Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as...
3.2.K.B Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of...
3.2.K.C Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth's...
3.2.K.D Use tools and materials to design and build a structure...
3.2.1.A Plan and conduct investigations to provide evidence that vibrating materials...
3.2.1.B Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects can...
3.2.1.C Plan and conduct an investigation to determine the effect of...
3.2.1.D Use tools and materials to design and build a device...
3.2.2.A Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different...
3.2.2.B Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which...
3.2.2.C Make observations to construct an evidence-based account of how an...
3.2.2.D Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by...
3.2.3.A Make and communicate observations and/or measurements of an object's...
3.2.3.B Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the...
3.2.3.C Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric...
3.2.3.D Define a simple design problem that can be solved by...
3.2.4.A Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of...
3.2.4.B Make and communicate observations to provide evidence that energy can...
3.2.4.C Ask questions and predict outcomes about the changes in energy...
3.2.4.D Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a...
3.2.4.E Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms...
3.2.4.F Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects...
3.2.4.G Generate and compare multiple solutions that use patterns to transfer...
3.2.5.A Develop a model to describe that matter is made of...
3.2.5.B Make and communicate observations and measurements to identify materials based...
3.2.5.C Interpret and analyze data to make decisions about how to...
3.2.5.D Measure and graph quantities to provide evidence that regardless of...
3.2.5.E Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two...
3.2.5.F Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth...
3.2.5.G Use models to describe that energy in animals' food (used...

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

STEELS Code STEELS Performance Expectation NGSS Link Assessments
3.2.6-8.A Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules...
3.2.6-8.B Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in the...
3.2.6-8.C Gather and make sense of information to describe how synthetic...
3.2.6-8.D Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before...
3.2.6-8.E Develop and use a model to describe how the total...
3.2.6-8.F Undertake a design project to construct, test, and modify...
3.2.6-8.G Apply Newton's Third Law to design a solution to a...
3.2.6-8.H Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in...
3.2.6-8.I Ask questions about data to determine the factors that affect...
3.2.6-8.J Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim...
3.2.6-8.K Conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental design to provide...
3.2.6-8.L Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the...
3.2.6-8.M Apply geometric principles to design, construct, and test a device...
3.2.6-8.N Plan an investigation to determine the relationships among the energy...
3.2.6-8.O Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim...
3.2.6-8.P Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of...
3.2.6-8.Q Use mathematical representations to describe a simple model for waves...
3.2.6-8.R Develop and use a model to describe how waves are...
3.2.6-8.S Integrate qualitative scientific and technical information to support the claim...

High School (Grades 9-12)

STEELS Code STEELS Performance Expectation NGSS Link Assessments
3.2.9-12.A Use the periodic table as a model to predict the...
3.2.9-12.B Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare...
3.2.9-12.C Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a...
3.2.9-12.D Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption...
3.2.9-12.E Apply scientific principles and evidence to provide an explanation about...
3.2.9-12.F Refine the design of a chemical system by specifying a...
3.2.9-12.G Use mathematical representations to support the claim that atoms, and...
3.2.9-12.H Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of...
3.2.9-12.I Analyze data to support the claim that Newton's second...
3.2.9-12.J Use mathematical representations to support the claim that the total...
3.2.9-12.K Apply scientific and engineering ideas to design, evaluate and refine...
3.2.9-12.L Use mathematical representations of Newton's Law of Gravitation and...
3.2.9-12.M Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that an...
3.2.9-12.N Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level...
3.2.9-12.O Create a computational model to calculate the change in the...
3.2.9-12.P Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the...
3.2.9-12.Q Design, build, and refine a device that works within...
3.2.9-12.R Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the...
3.2.9-12.S Develop and use a model of two objects interacting through...
3.2.9-12.T Use mathematical representations to support a claim regarding relationships among...
3.2.9-12.U Evaluate questions about the advantages of using digital transmission and...
3.2.9-12.V Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind the idea...
3.2.9-12.W Evaluate the validity and reliability of claims in published materials...
3.2.9-12.X Communicate technical information about how some technological devices use the...

3.3 Earth and Space Science

Elementary School (Kindergarten - Grade 5)

STEELS Code STEELS Performance Expectation NGSS Link Assessments
3.3.K.A Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe...
3.3.K.B Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and...
3.3.K.C Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs...
3.3.K.D Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather...
3.3.K.E Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on...
3.3.1.A Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to...
3.3.1.B Make observations at different times of year to relate the...
3.3.2.A Use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth...
3.3.2.B Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or...
3.3.2.C Develop a model to represent the shapes and kinds of...
3.3.2.D Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth...
3.3.3.A Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical...
3.3.3.B Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions...
3.3.3.C Make a claim supported by evidence about the merit of...
3.3.4.A Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in...
3.3.4.B Make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the...
3.3.4.C Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of...
3.3.4.D Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels...
3.3.4.E Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of...
3.3.5.A Support an argument that differences in the apparent brightness of...
3.3.5.B Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily...
3.3.5.C Develop a model using an example to describe ways the...
3.3.5.D Describe and graph the amounts of salt water and fresh...
3.3.5.E Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science...
3.3.5.F Generate and design possible solutions to a current environmental issue... PA Custom Extension N/A

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

STEELS Code STEELS Performance Expectation NGSS Link Assessments
3.3.6-8.A Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to...
3.3.6-8.B Develop and use a model to describe the role of...
3.3.6-8.C Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects...
3.3.6-8.D Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata...
3.3.6-8.E Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes...
3.3.6-8.F Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials...
3.3.6-8.G Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and...
3.3.6-8.H Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through...
3.3.6-8.I Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating...
3.3.6-8.J Collect data to provide evidence for how the motion and...
3.3.6-8.K Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the...
3.3.6-8.L Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future...
3.3.6-8.M Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and...
3.3.6-8.N Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in...
3.3.6-8.O Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have...

High School (Grades 9-12)

STEELS Code STEELS Performance Expectation NGSS Link Assessments
3.3.9-12.A Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life...
3.3.9-12.B Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on...
3.3.9-12.C Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their...
3.3.9-12.D Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of...
3.3.9-12.E Use a model to describe how variations in the flow...
3.3.9-12.F Evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental...
3.3.9-12.G Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials, meteorites...
3.3.9-12.H Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change...
3.3.9-12.I Develop a model based on evidence of Earth's interior to...
3.3.9-12.J Develop a model to illustrate how Earth's internal and surface...
3.3.9-12.K Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water...
3.3.9-12.L Develop a quantitative model to describe the cycling of carbon...
3.3.9-12.M Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth...
3.3.9-12.N Construct an argument based on evidence about the simultaneous coevolution...
3.3.9-12.O Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability...
3.3.9-12.P Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy...
3.3.9-12.Q Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationships among management...
3.3.9-12.R Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces the impact...
3.3.9-12.S Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models...