HS-ETS1-1
Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
Note: this is a performance expectation for four classes: Earth and Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Assessment
What assessment of HS-ETS1-1 might look like on a NY state exam.
Chemistry
| Exam | Cluster | Question |
|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | Parade of Balloons | Question 40 |
| Sample clusters (Spring 2025) | Smartphone Chemistry | Question 4 |
Physics
| Exam | Cluster | Question |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Flashlight Physics | Question 35 |
Biology
| Exam | Cluster | Question |
|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | Parrots and Biodiversity | Question 44 |
| The Permafrost Problem | Question 48 | |
| June 2026 | Fossil Fuels: Out of Sight, but Not Out of Mind | Question 27 |
| January 2026 | Diabetes | Question 27 |
| Sample clusters (Fall 2024) | Old Forest | Question 5 |
| Sample clusters (Spring 2024) | Prostaglandins | Question 6 |
Earth & Space Science
| Exam | Cluster | Question |
|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | Dams and Flood Mitigation | Question 40 |
| June 2025 | Mining and Use of Lithium | Question 32 |
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.
Resources
Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of HS-ETS1-1.
NGSS Dimensions
Performance expectation HS-ETS1-1 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:
- Asking Questions and Defining Problems
- Analyze complex real-world problems by specifying criteria and constraints for successful solutions.
- ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems
- Criteria and constraints also include satisfying any requirements set by society, such as taking issues of risk mitigation into account, and they should be quantified to the extent possible and stated in such a way that one can tell if a given design meets them.
- Humanity faces major global challenges today, such as the need for supplies of clean water and food or for energy sources that minimize pollution, which can be addressed through engineering. These global challenges also may have manifestations in local communities.
- Connections to Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science: Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World
- New technologies can have deep impacts on society and the environment, including some that were not anticipated. Analysis of costs and benefits is a critical aspect of decisions about technology.