HS-ETS1-2

Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

Note: this is a performance expectation for four classes: Earth and Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Assessment

What assessment of HS-ETS1-2 might look like on a NY state exam.

Chemistry

Exam	Cluster	Question
August 2026	The Great American Solar Eclipse	Question 12
June 2026	Urban Heat Islands	Question 22
	Indoor Air Pollution	Question 46

Physics

Exam	Cluster	Question
June 2026	Motorcycle Helmets	Question 15

Biology

Exam	Cluster	Question
August 2026	Invasive Mussels	Question 39
January 2026	Two Kinds of Twins	Question 5
	Honeybee Behavior and Threats	Question 28
June 2025	Nature or Nurture?	Question 48

Earth & Space Science

Exam	Cluster	Question
June 2025	Human Impact on Earth	Question 45

Performance Level Descriptions

PLDs communicate the knowledge and skills expected of students to demonstrate proficiency in each Learning Standard. NYS assessments classify student performance into one of five levels.

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Level 1: Identify the solution, from those provided, that addresses a smaller, more manageable real-world problem.

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Level 2: Given a complex real-world problem that has been broken down into smaller, more manageable problems, identify a solution to one smaller problem that can be solved through engineering.

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Level 3: Given a complex real-world problem, identify one smaller more manageable problem and describe a solution to that problem that can be solved through engineering.

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Level 4: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

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Level 5: For a complex real-world problem, design multiple solutions to sub-problems based on student generated data and/or scientific information from other sources. Describe the rationale, criteria, and constraints of each sub-problem.

Vocabulary

Terms that come from this standard or from the released exam questions that assess it, listed by subject. Chemistry terms are from the Chemistry Glossary.

Chemistry

From this standard

• constraint
• criteria
• design solution
• evidence
• optimize
• trade-off

From released exam questions

• alpha particle – June 2026
• energy – June 2026
• evaporation – June 2026
• gas – June 2026
• liquid – June 2026
• radioactive – June 2026
• solid – June 2026
• sublimation – June 2026
• temperature – June 2026
• transmittance – Aug 2026
• visible light – Aug 2026
• volatile organic compound (VOC) – June 2026
• volatility – June 2026
• wavelength – Aug 2026

Physics

Physics terms for this standard have not been added yet.

Biology

Biology terms for this standard have not been added yet.

Earth & Space Science

Earth & Space Science terms for this standard have not been added yet.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of HS-ETS1-2.

This section could be expanded upon. You can help out by adding to this section.

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation HS-ETS1-2 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

• Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
  • Design a solution to a complex real-world problem, based on scientific knowledge, student-generated sources of evidence, prioritized criteria, and tradeoff considerations

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• EST1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution
  • Criteria may need to be broken down into simpler ones that can be approached systematically, and decisions about the priority of certain criteria over others (trade-offs) may be needed.

Crosscutting Concepts

• N/A

Page contributors: Conrad Richman, Caroline Leonard

Earth and Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics | HS. Engineering Design