The Maryland Science Standards represent a shift in science instruction, where students will delve deeper into concepts through a three-dimensional approach. This three-dimensional approach to science instruction will involve the basic science concepts, along with science and engineering practices and cross-cutting concepts that span multiple science contents.
Dimension 1: Science and Engineering Practices
The practices describe behaviors that scientists engage in as they investigate and build models and theories about the natural world and the key set of engineering practices that engineers use as they design and build models and systems.
Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts
Crosscutting concepts describe concepts that bridge disciplinary boundaries, having explanatory value throughout much of science and engineering. These crosscutting concepts have application across all domains of science. They are a way of linking the different domains of science.
Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas
Disciplinary core ideas have the power to focus K–12 science curriculum, instruction, and assessments on the most important aspects of science. Disciplinary ideas are grouped in four major domains: the physical sciences; the life sciences; the earth and space sciences; and engineering, technology and applications of science.