WGU D671 Elementary Science Curriculum OA V1 & V2 |
Latest Update 2026/2027 | 200 Questions and Verified
Answers | Complete Q&A Guide | A+ Graded
1. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are built on three dimensions. Which of the following
is NOT one of these dimensions?
A. Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs)
B. Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)
C. The Scientific Method (TSM)
D. Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs)
Answer: C. The Scientific Method (TSM)
Explanation: The NGSS moved away from the rigid, linear "Scientific Method." Instead, it utilizes Science
and Engineering Practices (SEPs) to reflect how real scientists work. The three dimensions are DCIs,
CCCs, and SEPs.
2. A teacher asks students to observe how the shape of a bird's beak helps it crack nuts. Which
Crosscutting Concept (CCC) is being applied?
A. Patterns
B. Structure and Function
C. Energy and Matter
D. Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
Answer: B. Structure and Function
Explanation: Structure and function is the CCC that focuses on how the shape or physical characteristics
of an object/organism relate to what it does.
,3. Students are analyzing data on local rainfall to see if they can predict next month's weather. Which
NGSS dimension are they primarily engaging in?
A. Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs)
B. Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)
C. Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs)
D. Constructivism
Answer: A. Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs)
Explanation: "Analyzing and interpreting data" is one of the eight Science and Engineering Practices
(SEPs).
4. A teacher uses a video of a dry ice bubble expanding and popping as the starting point for a unit on
states of matter. In NGSS terms, the expanding bubble is a:
A. Core Idea
B. Phenomenon
C. Standard
D. Assessment
Answer: B. Phenomenon
Explanation: A phenomenon is an observable event that occurs in the universe that students can use
their science knowledge to explain or predict.
,5. Which statement best describes the purpose of Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs)?
A. They are the handson skills students need to do lab work.
B. They are the overarching themes that connect all science subjects.
C. They are the fundamental scientific concepts and content knowledge students must learn.
D. They are the assessment tools used to grade students.
Answer: C. They are the fundamental scientific concepts and content knowledge students must learn.
Explanation: DCIs are the specific science content (Earth, Life, Physical science) that students need to
understand.
6. A firstgrade teacher wants students to understand that the Sun appears to move across the sky during
the day. Which handson activity would best help students develop this understanding?
A. Show a video of the solar system
B. Have students trace the shadow of a stick at different times of the day
C. Read a book about the rotation of the Earth
D. Draw a picture of the Sun in the corner of the page
Answer: B. Have students trace the shadow of a stick at different times of the day
Explanation: Tracing shadows at different times allows students to observe the apparent movement of
the Sun indirectly through shadow changes, aligning with inquirybased learning.
7. Which of the following is an example of a formative assessment in a thirdgrade science unit on plant
growth?
, A. A final unit exam
B. A science fair project judged at the end of the year
C. A student drawing and labeling the parts of a seed after a handson exploration, with teacher feedback
D. A statewide standardized test
Answer: C. A student drawing and labeling the parts of a seed after a handson exploration, with teacher
feedback
Explanation: Formative assessments occur during instruction to guide teaching and provide feedback.
Drawing and labeling with teacher feedback is formative.
8. According to the 5E instructional model, which phase would involve students making predictions and
testing their ideas through handson investigation?
A. Engage
B. Explore
C. Explain
D. Evaluate
Answer: B. Explore
Explanation: The Explore phase is where students actively investigate, make predictions, and test their
ideas through handson activities.
9. Which of the following is NOT a Science and Engineering Practice (SEP) according to NGSS?
A. Asking questions and defining problems
B. Developing and using models
Latest Update 2026/2027 | 200 Questions and Verified
Answers | Complete Q&A Guide | A+ Graded
1. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are built on three dimensions. Which of the following
is NOT one of these dimensions?
A. Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs)
B. Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)
C. The Scientific Method (TSM)
D. Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs)
Answer: C. The Scientific Method (TSM)
Explanation: The NGSS moved away from the rigid, linear "Scientific Method." Instead, it utilizes Science
and Engineering Practices (SEPs) to reflect how real scientists work. The three dimensions are DCIs,
CCCs, and SEPs.
2. A teacher asks students to observe how the shape of a bird's beak helps it crack nuts. Which
Crosscutting Concept (CCC) is being applied?
A. Patterns
B. Structure and Function
C. Energy and Matter
D. Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
Answer: B. Structure and Function
Explanation: Structure and function is the CCC that focuses on how the shape or physical characteristics
of an object/organism relate to what it does.
,3. Students are analyzing data on local rainfall to see if they can predict next month's weather. Which
NGSS dimension are they primarily engaging in?
A. Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs)
B. Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)
C. Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs)
D. Constructivism
Answer: A. Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs)
Explanation: "Analyzing and interpreting data" is one of the eight Science and Engineering Practices
(SEPs).
4. A teacher uses a video of a dry ice bubble expanding and popping as the starting point for a unit on
states of matter. In NGSS terms, the expanding bubble is a:
A. Core Idea
B. Phenomenon
C. Standard
D. Assessment
Answer: B. Phenomenon
Explanation: A phenomenon is an observable event that occurs in the universe that students can use
their science knowledge to explain or predict.
,5. Which statement best describes the purpose of Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs)?
A. They are the handson skills students need to do lab work.
B. They are the overarching themes that connect all science subjects.
C. They are the fundamental scientific concepts and content knowledge students must learn.
D. They are the assessment tools used to grade students.
Answer: C. They are the fundamental scientific concepts and content knowledge students must learn.
Explanation: DCIs are the specific science content (Earth, Life, Physical science) that students need to
understand.
6. A firstgrade teacher wants students to understand that the Sun appears to move across the sky during
the day. Which handson activity would best help students develop this understanding?
A. Show a video of the solar system
B. Have students trace the shadow of a stick at different times of the day
C. Read a book about the rotation of the Earth
D. Draw a picture of the Sun in the corner of the page
Answer: B. Have students trace the shadow of a stick at different times of the day
Explanation: Tracing shadows at different times allows students to observe the apparent movement of
the Sun indirectly through shadow changes, aligning with inquirybased learning.
7. Which of the following is an example of a formative assessment in a thirdgrade science unit on plant
growth?
, A. A final unit exam
B. A science fair project judged at the end of the year
C. A student drawing and labeling the parts of a seed after a handson exploration, with teacher feedback
D. A statewide standardized test
Answer: C. A student drawing and labeling the parts of a seed after a handson exploration, with teacher
feedback
Explanation: Formative assessments occur during instruction to guide teaching and provide feedback.
Drawing and labeling with teacher feedback is formative.
8. According to the 5E instructional model, which phase would involve students making predictions and
testing their ideas through handson investigation?
A. Engage
B. Explore
C. Explain
D. Evaluate
Answer: B. Explore
Explanation: The Explore phase is where students actively investigate, make predictions, and test their
ideas through handson activities.
9. Which of the following is NOT a Science and Engineering Practice (SEP) according to NGSS?
A. Asking questions and defining problems
B. Developing and using models
