Synapse Construction Kit^© Connections to: A Framework for K-12 Science Education Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas*

Dimension 1: Scientific and Engineering Practices

1. Asking questions (for science and defining problems (for engineering)
2. Developing and using models
6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)

Dimension 2: Cross Cutting Concepts

1. Patterns
2. Cause and effect: Mechanism and explanation
4. Systems and system models
6. Structure and function
7. Stability and change

Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas

Life Sciences

LS1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
LS1.A: Structure and Function
LS1.D: Information Processing

Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science

ETS1: Engineering Design
ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting an Engineering Problem
ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

ETS2: Links Among Engineering, Technology, Science, and Society
ETS2A: Interdependence of Science, Engineering, and Technology
ETS2.B: Influence of Engineering, Technology, and Science on Society and the Natural World

*The NSTA Reader’s Guide to A Framework for K-12 Science Education, National Research Council (NRC), 2011. A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press.