The Smart Servo Curriculum's NGSS Progression Matrix provides a comprehensive framework for developing scientific and engineering skills across K-12 education through assistive technology design. By systematically mapping the development of Science and Engineering Practices, Engineering and Technology Core Ideas, and Cross-Cutting Concepts across grade bands (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-10, 11-12), the curriculum creates a structured approach to learning. Students progressively build skills from basic introduction (I) to developing (D), mastering (M), and ultimately achieving advanced application (A), with a focus on hands-on, project-based learning that emphasizes human-centered design, iterative prototyping, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and real-world technological applications in assistive technology development.
Hover over any standard for detailed information about its progression and alignment with smart servo lessons.
This matrix maps the progression of NGSS Core Ideas for Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science across grade bands (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-10, 11-12) for the smart servo assistive technology curriculum.
| CORE IDEA | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Define Design Problem
Core Idea DescriptionStudents define and clarify design problems, specifying criteria and constraints for potential solutions.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects focus on assistive technology design, requiring students to precisely define user needs, functional requirements, and design constraints.
Key ConceptsProblem identification, user needs analysis, design specifications, constraint recognition
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I | D | M | A | A |
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Generate and Test Design Solutions
Core Idea DescriptionStudents develop multiple solutions, test them systematically, and evaluate their effectiveness against specified criteria.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentIterative prototyping is central to smart servo projects. Students create multiple design iterations, test functionality, and refine solutions based on user feedback.
Key ConceptsPrototyping, systematic testing, iterative design, solution evaluation
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I | D | M | A | A |
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Optimize Design Solution
Core Idea DescriptionStudents refine and improve design solutions, balancing multiple criteria and addressing potential trade-offs.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects involve optimization, but may require additional guidance to fully explore complex trade-offs and systematic improvement strategies.
Key ConceptsPerformance improvement, trade-off analysis, design refinement, multi-criteria optimization
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I | D | M |
| CORE IDEA | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Technology's Impact on Society
Core Idea DescriptionUnderstand how technological developments influence and are influenced by society, including potential positive and negative impacts.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentAssistive technology design directly addresses societal needs, encouraging students to consider technology's broader social implications and human-centered design principles.
Key ConceptsSocial impact, accessibility, technological ethics, human-centered design
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I | D | M | A | A |
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Technology's Role in Solving Problems
Core Idea DescriptionExplore how technological solutions can address complex societal challenges and improve human capabilities.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects are fundamentally about developing technological solutions to real-world accessibility and assistive technology challenges.
Key ConceptsProblem-solving, innovation, technological intervention, user empowerment
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I | D | M | A | A |
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Ethical Considerations in Technology
Core Idea DescriptionAnalyze the ethical implications of technological developments, considering social, environmental, and human factors.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentWhile assistive technology projects inherently involve ethical design, explicit ethical discussions may require additional facilitation and structured reflection.
Key ConceptsTechnological ethics, design responsibility, stakeholder considerations, human rights
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I | D | M |
This matrix maps the progression of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Science and Engineering Practices across grade bands (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-10, 11-12) for the smart servo assistive technology curriculum.
| PRACTICE | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Identify testable questions
Practice DescriptionDevelop skills in formulating scientifically investigatable questions that can be empirically tested.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects require students to identify specific user needs and translate them into testable design questions about assistive technology functionality.
Key ConceptsScientific inquiry, problem definition, user-centered design, empirical testing
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I | D | M | A | A |
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Define design problems
Practice DescriptionArticulate specific design challenges with clear parameters and constraints.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentAssistive technology design inherently requires students to define precise design problems based on user needs, mechanical constraints, and technological capabilities.
Key ConceptsProblem framing, user requirements, technological constraints, design specifications
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I | D | M | A | A |
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Specify criteria and constraints
Practice DescriptionEstablish clear, measurable parameters that define success for a design solution.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects involve specifying technical constraints, but additional guided activities may be needed to develop comprehensive criteria-setting skills.
Key ConceptsDesign parameters, performance metrics, technical limitations, user-centered evaluation
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I | D | M | A |
| PRACTICE | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Use models to represent phenomena
Practice DescriptionCreate and use models to represent scientific phenomena and design processes.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects require students to create models of assistive technology solutions, including schematic diagrams, functional prototypes, and computational models.
Key ConceptsRepresentational thinking, abstraction, design visualization, prototype modeling
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I | D | M | A | A |
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Develop physical and computational models
Practice DescriptionCreate both physical prototypes and computational simulations to explore design solutions.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo curriculum emphasizes both physical prototyping (mechanical design) and computational modeling (programming and simulation).
Key ConceptsPrototype development, computational thinking, system simulation, iterative design
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I | D | M | A | |
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Evaluate limitations of models
Practice DescriptionCritically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of scientific and engineering models.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects provide opportunities to discuss model limitations, but explicit instruction may be needed to fully develop critical evaluation skills.
Key ConceptsCritical analysis, model boundaries, representational accuracy, design constraints
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I | D | M |
| PRACTICE | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Make observations
Practice DescriptionSystematically collect and record detailed observations during scientific and engineering processes.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentUser testing and prototype evaluation in smart servo projects require careful, systematic observation of device performance and user interaction.
Key ConceptsSystematic documentation, detailed recording, empirical evidence, user feedback
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I | D | M | A | A |
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Conduct controlled experiments
Practice DescriptionDesign and execute experiments with controlled variables to test hypotheses.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects involve experimental testing, but structured experimental design may require additional guided activities to develop full proficiency.
Key ConceptsExperimental design, variable control, hypothesis testing, systematic evaluation
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I | D | M | A | |
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Select appropriate tools and techniques
Practice DescriptionChoose and use appropriate scientific and engineering tools for specific investigations.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo curriculum requires students to select and use various tools including microcontrollers, programming interfaces, mechanical components, and testing equipment.
Key ConceptsTool selection, technical proficiency, appropriate methodology, equipment use
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I | D | M | A |
| PRACTICE | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Use graphical displays of data
Practice DescriptionCreate and interpret graphs, charts, and other visual representations of data.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects involve creating performance graphs, analyzing sensor data, and visualizing prototype testing results.
Key ConceptsData visualization, graphical interpretation, statistical representation, performance analysis
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I | D | M | A | A |
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Use statistical methods
Practice DescriptionApply statistical techniques to analyze and interpret scientific and engineering data.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects provide opportunities for basic statistical analysis, but advanced statistical methods may require supplemental instruction.
Key ConceptsDescriptive statistics, data analysis, uncertainty quantification, performance metrics
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I | D | M | ||
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Use computational tools for analysis
Practice DescriptionLeverage computational technologies for advanced data analysis and visualization.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo curriculum integrates computational tools through programming, data logging, and performance analysis using microcontrollers and software.
Key ConceptsComputational analysis, data processing, algorithmic thinking, digital tools
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I | D/M |
| PRACTICE | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Use computational thinking
Practice DescriptionDevelop and use computational thinking to create and analyze systems, solve problems, and understand complex phenomena.Smart Servo AlignmentStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects inherently require computational thinking through programming, creating algorithms for servo control, and developing innovative assistive technology solutions.
Key Learning Outcomes
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I | D | M | A | |
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Create algorithms
Practice DescriptionDevelop and implement step-by-step instructions to solve problems or accomplish specific tasks.Smart Servo AlignmentStrong AlignmentSmart servo programming requires students to create precise algorithms for controlling servo motors, managing input/output, and designing assistive technology solutions.
Key Learning Outcomes
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I | D | M |
| PRACTICE | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Develop explanations based on evidence
Practice DescriptionConstruct scientific explanations and design solutions using empirical evidence and scientific reasoning.Smart Servo AlignmentStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects require students to document their design process, test hypotheses, and provide evidence-based explanations for their assistive technology solutions.
Key Learning Outcomes
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I | D | M | A | A |
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Design solutions to problems
Practice DescriptionCreate innovative solutions to scientific and technological challenges using systematic design approaches.Smart Servo AlignmentStrong AlignmentThe entire smart servo curriculum is centered on designing solutions for real-world accessibility challenges, making this practice core to the learning experience.
Key Learning Outcomes
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I | D | M | A | A |
| PRACTICE | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Construct arguments from evidence
Practice DescriptionBuild scientific arguments using valid reasoning and empirical evidence to support claims.Smart Servo AlignmentModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects involve documenting design choices and performance, but explicit argumentation may require additional guided instruction.
Key Learning Outcomes
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I | D | M | A |
| PRACTICE | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Read scientific texts
Practice DescriptionComprehend and critically analyze scientific and technical texts to extract key information.Smart Servo AlignmentModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects involve reading technical documentation, datasheets, and programming guides, which supports scientific text comprehension.
Key Learning Outcomes
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I | D | M | A | A |
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Communicate scientific information
Practice DescriptionPresent scientific and technical information through various media and formats.Smart Servo AlignmentStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects require extensive documentation, presentations, and demonstrations of assistive technology solutions.
Key Learning Outcomes
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I | D | M | A | A |
This matrix illustrates the progression of Cross-Cutting Concepts across grade bands (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-10, 11-12) for the Smart Servo Assistive Technology Curriculum. Cross-cutting concepts provide an organizational schema for integrating a range of scientific and engineering practices.
| CONCEPT | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1. Patterns
Concept DescriptionRecognizing and analyzing patterns in observations, predictions, and understanding complex systems.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart Servo projects inherently involve pattern recognition through:
Key ConceptsPredictive modeling, systemic thinking, algorithmic pattern recognition
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I | D | M | A | A |
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2. Cause and Effect
Concept DescriptionUnderstanding the mechanisms and relationships between causes and their effects in natural and designed systems.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart Servo projects deeply engage cause and effect through:
Key ConceptsMechanical causality, programming logic, system responsiveness
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I | D | M | A | A |
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3. Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
Concept DescriptionUnderstanding relative sizes, proportional relationships, and quantitative reasoning across different scales.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart Servo projects involve scale and proportion through:
Key ConceptsMechanical scaling, electrical power management, proportional design
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I | D | M | A | A |
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4. Systems and System Models
Concept DescriptionCreating and using models to understand complex systems, their components, and interactions.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart Servo projects are fundamentally about systems thinking:
Key ConceptsSystem design, component integration, feedback loops
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I | D | M | A | A |
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5. Energy and Matter
Concept DescriptionTracking the flow and transformation of energy and matter within systems.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart Servo projects engage energy and matter through:
Key ConceptsEnergy transformation, power efficiency, electrical systems
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I | D | M | A | A |
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6. Structure and Function
Concept DescriptionUnderstanding how the design and arrangement of parts enables specific functions.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart Servo projects deeply explore structure and function:
Key ConceptsMechanical design, functional optimization, adaptive engineering
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I | D | M | A | A |
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7. Stability and Change
Concept DescriptionExamining how systems maintain stability and how they change over time.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart Servo projects address stability and change through:
Key ConceptsControl systems, adaptive programming, system resilience
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I | D | M | A | A |