NGSS Curriculum Planning Tools for K–12 Science Teachers
Create phenomenon-driven lessons and units aligned to NGSS Performance Expectations. Explicitly integrate DCIs, SEPs, and CCCs for truly three-dimensional learning across K–12.
Start a NGSS Lesson Chat
Pick your course, choose a plan type, and describe what you want.
NGSS-Specific Features
3D Standards Alignment
Automatically align learning targets to NGSS Performance Expectations with explicit mapping to DCIs, SEPs, and CCCs in objectives, tasks, and success criteria.
Phenomenon-Driven Inquiry
Launch compelling phenomena and drive sequences with student questions, modeling, data analysis, and argument from evidence.
Engineering Design
Integrate engineering design cycles where appropriate—define problems, develop and test solutions, and iterate with evidence.
Grade-Band Appropriate
Tailor language and cognitive demand to K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12 bands with learning progressions and scaffolds.
Three-Dimensional Assessment
Generate performance tasks and checks for understanding that elicit DCIs, SEPs, and CCCs together (e.g., CER prompts).
Literacy & Math Connections
Embed disciplinary literacy and quantitative reasoning with data tables, graphs, unit conversions, and evidence-based writing.
NGSS Dimensions
Performance Expectations
- Observable outcomes integrating DCIs, SEPs, and CCCs
- Signals evidence of learning and assessment targets
DCIs
- Physical, Life, Earth & Space, Engineering/Technology
- Explicitly cited in targets and activities
SEPs
- Asking questions, modeling, planning investigations
- Analyzing data, constructing explanations, arguing from evidence
CCCs
- Patterns, cause & effect, scale, systems, energy & matter
- Stability & change, structure & function
Grade Bands & DCIs
K–2 (Primary)
- • Observing patterns and properties
- • Pushes and pulls, sound & light
- • Life cycles and habitats
- • Weather and local environment
Grades 3–5 (Upper Elem)
- • Matter & energy, simple machines
- • Ecosystems and organism interactions
- • Earth systems and processes
- • Engineering design challenges
Middle School (6–8)
- • Forces, energy, and waves
- • Cells, genetics, and ecosystems
- • Plate tectonics, weather & climate
- • Data analysis and modeling
High School (9–12)
- • Structure of matter and chemical reactions
- • Evolution, ecosystems, and homeostasis
- • Earth systems, human impact
- • Advanced engineering & optimization
How It Works
Select NGSS in Teacher Workspace
Open the Teacher Workspace and select "NGSS" from the curriculum dropdown. Choose your grade band and topic/DCI focus.
Specify PE/DCIs and Phenomenon
Enter Performance Expectation(s), relevant DCIs, and your anchoring phenomenon. The AI will automatically reference SEPs and CCCs.
Generate & Customize
Receive a complete three-dimensional lesson with explicit DCI/SEP/CCC integration, phenomenon sequence, and assessment. Edit to fit your learners.