Inquisitive is a PreK-5 science curriculum built from the Next Generation Science Standards for Illinois (IL NGSS). This article explains what the standards cover, how Inquisitive lessons align to them, and where to find the crosswalk and supporting documents.
Crosswalk and supporting documents
What are the Next Generation Science Standards for Illinois?
Illinois adopted the Next Generation Science Standards in January 2014, incorporating them as the Illinois Learning Standards in Science. They outline what students in Illinois should know and do in science from Kindergarten through high school.
The standards are built around three dimensions that students use together in every lesson:
Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs): core science concepts across Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth and Space Sciences, and Engineering and Design.
Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs): the practices scientists and engineers use, such as asking questions, carrying out investigations, analyzing data, constructing explanations, and arguing from evidence.
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs): ideas that connect across science areas, such as patterns, cause and effect, energy and matter, structure and function, and systems.
How Inquisitive aligns to Illinois's NGSS
Every Inquisitive lesson is built around a real-world phenomenon. Each lesson combines all three dimensions: students build understanding of core science ideas, use science and engineering practices, and connect their learning to crosscutting concepts.
When Inquisitive lessons were mapped against the IL NGSS, the crosswalk confirmed:
Coverage across all four Disciplinary Core Idea domains, at every grade
All eight Science and Engineering Practices represented across lessons
All seven Crosscutting Concepts represented across the curriculum
Each lesson lists its NGSS Performance Expectation (PE) and Inquisitive learning target for reference
Inquisitive supports classrooms with individual devices, shared classroom technology, or limited screen time.
With technology:
- Interactive digital lessons with embedded stimuli
- Individual student logins and Google Classroom integration
- Real-time student responses
- Built-in assessments and a digital gradebook
With little to no technology:
- Mix of digital and print resources
- Printable student activity sheets, available in 50+ languages
- Investigations using everyday classroom materials
- Discussions and collaborative learning without student devices
Accessibility and UDL support
Inquisitive is designed using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
Translation into 50+ languages: multilingual learners and English Language Learners can access the same lessons as their peers, in digital and print materials
Multimodal content: printables, eBooks, interactives, and videos.
Differentiated pathways: core, deeper, and challenging levels, marked with Green Circle, Blue Square, and Black Diamond indicators.
WCAG-compliant design for students with disabilities.
Varied ways of presenting work: students can show understanding through drawings, models, oral explanations, and written responses.
Teacher training and support
Professional learning options include:
Virtual training
Specialized sessions, including Making Science 3D, the 5E Model, and Visible Thinking Routines
Ongoing support through the school year