California Standards Mapping
Direct alignments for Cardboard Toy World projects to the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
I. CA NGSS: Engineering Design (K-MS)
| Grade / Code | Standard Description (Exact Quote) | Alignment to Toymaking |
|---|---|---|
| K-2 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." | Students use 2D blueprints to understand how specific geometric surfaces (shapes) create 3D mechanical functions. |
| 3-5 3-5-ETS1-1 |
"Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost." | Cardboard builds introduce real-world constraints: structural integrity of recycled materials and precise measurement for motion. |
| 3-5 3-5-ETS1-3 |
"Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved." | The "Satisfying, Not Easy" philosophy: Students identify mechanical failure points (friction, misalignment) and iterate. |
| Middle School MS-ETS1-4 |
"Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved." | Level 4-5 toys (Cams/Friction Drives) require iterative testing of rotational-to-linear conversion and timing. |
II. CA NGSS: Physical Science (Forces & Motion)
| Grade / Code | Standard Description (Exact Quote) | Alignment to Toymaking |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 3-PS2-1 |
"Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object." | Students observe how lever arms and fulcrums (Level 2) utilize balanced and unbalanced forces to create specific toy movements. |
| Middle School MS-PS2-2 |
"Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object." | Experimenting with weighted cardboard panels and axle friction directly demonstrates force/mass relationships in motion. |
III. CCSS: Mathematics (Geometry & Measurement)
| Grade / Code | Standard Description (Exact Quote) | Alignment to Toymaking |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 2 2.G.A.1 |
"Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes, such as a given number of angles or a given number of equal faces." | Drafting and cutting blueprint surfaces (panels) requires identifying and creating precise geometric shapes. |
| Grade 4 4.MD.C.6 |
"Measure angles in whole-number degrees using a protractor. Sketch angles of specified measure." | Essential for Level 3-5 builds where the angle of a cam or a linkage determines the range of motion. |
| Grade 7 7.G.B.6 |
"Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, volume and surface area of two- and three-dimensional objects composed of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, cubes, and right prisms." | Constructing toys from "nets" (blueprints) provides a tactile, hands-on application of surface area and 3D volume. |