Disciplinary Core Ideas & Science Domains
Course Notes: Integrating the Three Dimensions
Mr. Duncan | M, W, F 1:00 PM | September 28, 2026
Today’s Big Topics
What are Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs)? (The most important science ideas)
What makes something “core”? (The criteria)
The four science domains (categories of science)
Card sort activity (practice identifying core vs. non-core ideas)
What Is a Disciplinary Core Idea (DCI)?
Simple definition: A big, important science idea that’s worth teaching year after year—not just covering once and forgetting it
Key question: “What scientific ideas are so important that every child should understand them?”
What Makes Something “Core”? (4 Criteria)
An idea is “core” if it has:
Criteria | What It Means |
1. Broad explanatory power | It helps explain MANY different examples (not just one isolated fact) |
2. Foundations for future learning | It builds skills kids will need for more advanced science later |
3. Connected to real interests & problems | It relates to kids’ lives & things they care about |
4. Teachable & learnable across grades | You can teach it in K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd… and go deeper each time |
The Key Question to Ask
When deciding if something is core, ask:
“What big ideas would help a child explain MANY different examples of this?”
The Four DCI Domains (Types of Science)
Domain | Examples |
1. Physical Science | Matter, energy, motion, forces |
2. Life Science | Living things, ecosystems, heredity, evolution |
3. Earth & Space Science | Earth systems, weather, space, geology |
4. Engineering, Technology & Applications | Designing solutions, building, problem-solving |
Important Question to Keep Thinking About
“How would one of these ideas look DIFFERENT in kindergarten, third grade, and sixth grade?”
This shows how ideas spiral—same concept, deeper each year
Today’s Activity: Card Sort
What you did: Sorted statements into “Core” and “Not Core” categories
Example from class:
Core: A, C, E (broad, repeating, spiral across grades)
Not Core: B, D, F (specific one-time facts)
Why This Matters
✓ Core ideas are the foundation of science education
✓ They connect to real life (kids care about them)
✓ They build over time (not one-and-done)
✓ They have broad power (explain many things, not just one)
Upcoming
Assignment: Week 6 Reading
EXAM: Friday
Quick Checklist
☐ Understand what “core” means
☐ Know the 4 criteria for core ideas
☐ Know the 4 DCI domains
☐ Practice identifying core vs. non-core statements
☐ Remember: Same idea, different depths at different grade levels
☐ Complete Week 6 reading
☐ Study for Friday exam