From Molecules to Organisms:
Structures and Processes

Performance Expectations

The performance expectations in kindergarten help students formulate answers to questions such as:

• What happens if you push or pull an object harder?
• Where do animals live and why do they live there?
• What is the weather like today?
• How is it different from yesterday?"

Students are expected to develop understanding of patterns and variations in local weather and the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather.  Students are expected to develop understanding of patterns and variations in local weather and the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather. Students are able to apply an understanding of the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object to analyze a design solution. Students are also expected to develop understanding of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive and the relationship between their needs and where they live.

Calculation Method for DCI

Disciplinary Core Ideas are larger groups of related Performance Expectations. So the Disciplinary Core Idea Grade is a calculation of all the related Performance Expectations. So click on the Performance Expectation name below each Disciplinary Core Idea to access the learning targets and proficiency scales for each Disciplinary Core Idea's related Performance Expectations.

Clarification Statement: Examples of patterns could include that animals need to take in food but plants make food; the different kinds of food needed by different types of animals; the requirement of plants to have light; and, that all living things need water.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
-All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.

Proficiency Scale