Animals and Algorithms National and State

Standards Alignment
Computer Science Teachers Association K-12 CS Standards
Collaboration 1:3-2: Work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers, teachers,
and others using technology.
Computational Thinking 1:3-1: Use technology resources (e.g., puzzles, logical
thinking programs) to solve age-appropriate problems.
Computational Thinking 1:3-2: Use writing tools, digital cameras, and drawing
tools to illustrate thoughts, ideas, and stories in a step by step manner.
Computational Thinking 1:3-4: Recognize that software is created to control
computer operations.
Computing Practice and Programming 1:3-4: Construct a set of statements to be
acted out to accomplish a simple task.
Computing Practice and Programming 1:3-3: Create developmentally appropriate
multimedia products with support from teachers, family members, or student
partners.

Next Generation Science Standards

K-2-ETS1-1. Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a
situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved
through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-2-ETS1-2. Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate
how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
K-2-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same
problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.
ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems
o Asking questions, making observations, and gathering information are
helpful in thinking about problems.
o Before beginning to design a solution, it is important to clearly understand
the problem.
ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions Designs can be conveyed through
sketches, drawings, or physical models. These representations are useful in
communicating ideas from a problems solutions to other people.
ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution Because there is always more than
one possible solution to a problem, it is useful to compare and test designs.

2015 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

PLTW Launch Animals and Algorithms Standards Alignment Page 1
 Science and Engineering Practice Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Asking questions and defining problems in K-2 builds on prior experiences and
progresses to simple descriptive questions that can be tested.
Science and Engineering Practice Use tools and/or materials to design and/or
build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.

Science and Engineering Practice Generate and/or compare multiple solutions

to a problem.
Science and Engineering Practice With guidance, plan and conduct an
investigation in collaboration with peers (for K).
K-ESS3-1: Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of
different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.

Common Core English Language Arts

RL.K.3: With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major
events in a story.
W.K.3: Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to narrate a single
event or several loosely linked events, tell about the events in the order in which
they occurred, and provide a reaction to what happened.
W.K.6: With guidance and support from adults, explore a variety of digital tools to
produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers.
SL.K.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners
about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger
groups.
o SL.K.1.A: Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to
others and taking turns speaking about the topics and texts under
discussion).
O SL.K.1.B: Continue a conversation through multiple exchanges.
SL.K.5: Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions as desired to
provide additional detail.

Common Core Mathematics

CONTENT.K.CC.A.2: Count forward beginning from a given number within the
known sequence (instead of having to begin at 1).
CONTENT.K.G.A.1: Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes,
and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such
as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.

2015 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

PLTW Launch Animals and Algorithms Standards Alignment Page 2