The K–5 Science Sequence (2020)

With the help of subject matter experts and experienced Core Knowledge teachers, the Core Knowledge Foundation has updated the 2010 Sequence guidelines. The result of this effort is the revised K–5 Core Knowledge Science Sequence (2020).

*NOTE: The Core Knowledge Science Sequence for grades 6–8 is currently under revision, alongside revisions to other subject areas such as visual arts, music, and mathematics.

The Core Knowledge Sequence and NGSS

Following the release of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the Core Knowledge Foundation used this opportunity to update and enhance the science portion of the 2010 Core Knowledge Sequence.

The development of the K–5 Science Sequence (2020) was informed by the pedagogy and framework of the NGSS. By studying and evaluating NGSS documents, Core Knowledge was able to take the best of new science educational thought and apply it to the principles of the Core Knowledge approach.

The K–5 Science Sequence (2020), and by extension the CKSci curriculum, embodies Core Knowledge’s vision of best practices in science instruction and knowledge-based schooling, such as the following:

• building students’ knowledge of cumulative and coherent core ideas in life, physical, and earth/space sciences, as well as engineering design;
• developing scientific practices that give students firsthand experience in scientific inquiry, engineering, and technology; and,
• connecting scientific learning to concepts across various disciplines, such as mathematics and literacy.

If You Have Questions

We welcome your comments and questions on the K–5 Science Sequence. Send us a message by completing this contact form:

Terms of Use

The CKSci™ materials made available for download are freely available for anyone to use, adapt, and share (with attribution), but no one is permitted to sell either the original program, an adaptation of it, or lesson plans that reproduce any part of it. For more information, see the Guidelines to Core Knowledge and the Creative Commons License.