--- title: ETS3 description: ETS3 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. image: https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Right%20Image.png --- [![Teacher Login](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/f56bee57-133e-4975-8055-799f1f23588b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/f56bee57-133e-4975-8055-799f1f23588b) [Teacher Login](https://app.knowatom.com/signin) [![KnowAtom Logo](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/KnowAtom%20Logo.svg "KnowAtom Logo")](https://www.knowatom.com/) # ETS3 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. [![Download a Sample Unit](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/20eee377-e175-48fe-a039-ae723137a2a6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/20eee377-e175-48fe-a039-ae723137a2a6) Science & Engineering Practices - [Asking questions and defining problems](https://www.knowatom.com/asking-questions-and-defining-problems) - [Developing and using models](https://www.knowatom.com/developing-and-using-models) - [Planning and carrying out investigations](https://www.knowatom.com/planning-and-carrying-out-investigations) - [Analyzing and interpreting data](https://www.knowatom.com/analyzing-and-interpreting-data) - [Constructing explanations and designing solutions](https://www.knowatom.com/constructing-explanations-and-designing-solutions) - [Engaging in argument from evidence](https://www.knowatom.com/engaging-in-argument-from-evidence) - [Obtaining evaluating and communicating information](https://www.knowatom.com/obtaining-evaluating-and-communicating-information) Disciplinary Core Ideas - [Inheritance of Traits](https://www.knowatom.com/inheritance-of-traits) Crosscutting Concepts - [Structure and Function](https://www.knowatom.com/structure-and-function) - [Patterns](https://www.knowatom.com/patterns) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/b5a1446e-d782-4a5f-a019-0b3b98c8304f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/b5a1446e-d782-4a5f-a019-0b3b98c8304f) ## Browse ETS3 Lesson Plans Grade Ranges All K-2 3-5 6-8 [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Parent-and-Offspring-Behaviors-2.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/engineering-dams) ## [Engineering Dams In this unit, students explore the science phenomena of animal behaviors of parents and offspring that help the offspring survive. This page is a high-level extract of lesson two in which students mimic the beaver’s behavior of building dams to design their own dams that solve the problem of flooding.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/engineering-dams) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/engineering-dams) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image3-Oct-07-2023-10-28-21-7007-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/2nd-grade-science/controlling-erosion) ## [Controlling Erosion In this unit, students explore the science phenomena of different processes that change Earth’s surface over time. Once students have investigated how wind and water change the shape of the land, they use their scientific knowledge to engineer a solution that prevents rainwater from washing away a sandy hillside. This page showcases key components of this lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/2nd-grade-science/controlling-erosion) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/2nd-grade-science/controlling-erosion) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image1-Oct-07-2023-11-01-46-6039-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/2nd-grade-science/engineering-owl-shelters) ## [Engineering Owl Shelters In the last unit, students observed butterflies moving through their life cycle, explored how butterflies are pollinators, and then designed a hand pollinator. In this unit, students explore the science phenomena of how shelters help animals survive in their environment and then design a prototype burrow-like structure to keep a burrowing owl cool in hot temperatures.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/2nd-grade-science/engineering-owl-shelters) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/2nd-grade-science/engineering-owl-shelters) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image3-Oct-07-2023-03-07-17-7183-PM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-permeable-concrete) ## [Engineering Permeable Concrete In this unit, students explore the science phenomena of Earth systems by studying aquifers, comparing the ability of different Earth materials to hold water. In this lesson, they build on that knowledge to engineer permeable pavement that can solve the problems of urban flooding and water pollution. This page showcases key components of this lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-permeable-concrete) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-permeable-concrete) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image4-Oct-07-2023-11-58-00-9482-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/flood-control-engineering) ## [Flood Control Engineering In this unit, students discover how the sun provides light and heat to Earth and how the water cycle influences weather and climate. Students analyze weather patterns in specific regions during a particular season. They then use that knowledge to study the effects of extreme weather on humans, evaluating solutions to protect against those effects. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/flood-control-engineering) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/flood-control-engineering) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image2-Oct-09-2023-05-21-52-9550-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-electric-cars) ## [Engineering Electric Cars In this unit, students explore the science phenomena of how energy is transferred in a circuit to do work. In this lesson, students figure out the phenomena affecting the left and right movement of an electric car. This page is a high-level extract of this lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-electric-cars) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-electric-cars) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/bird-beak-structure-and-function1.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/engineering-litter-collectors) ## [Engineering Litter Collectors In this unit, students explore the science phenomena of engineers mimicking plant and animal structures. Students apply what they have learned about the structures of plants and animals to mimic those structures to solve problems facing people.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/engineering-litter-collectors) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/engineering-litter-collectors) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Engineering-Communication-Devices-1.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/engineering-communcation-devices) ## [Engineering Communication Devices In the last unit, students explore how objects can be seen when they are illuminated by a source of light and how light passes through opaque, transparent, and translucent materials differently. In this unit, students apply what they have learned about light and sound to design a solution that can be used to communicate over a distance. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/engineering-communcation-devices) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/engineering-communcation-devices) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image3-Oct-09-2023-05-19-06-0943-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-launchers) ## [Engineering Launchers In this unit, students explore the phenomena of forces, energy, and motion in systems involving simple machines. In this lesson, students solve a problem by prototyping solutions to launch objects. This page highlights each component of this lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-launchers) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-launchers) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image4-Oct-09-2023-05-38-52-6468-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-information-transfer) ## [Engineering Information Transfer In this unit, students build on what they know about the science phenomena of energy transfer to focus on information transfer and how different technologies use patterns of sound, light, or numbers to transmit information. This page showcases key components of this lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-information-transfer) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-information-transfer) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image2-1.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/kindergarten-science/sunlight-and-engineering) ## [Sunlight and Engineering In this first unit, students learn to differentiate between the practices of a scientist and those of an engineer. Students ask questions, make observations, and collect data as they explore weather patterns on Earth and investigate how different Earth materials are heated by the sun. During this final lesson of the unit, students act as engineers by designing a prototype that can reduce the warming effects of the sun.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/kindergarten-science/sunlight-and-engineering) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/kindergarten-science/sunlight-and-engineering) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image3-3.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/kindergarten-science/engineering-marble-movers) ## [Engineering Marble Movers In this unit, students discover that pushes and pulls are forces that change the motion of an object. They begin by exploring how objects move in different directions when they are pushed or pulled, and then investigate how changing the strength of a force changes the distance an object moves. They then use a model to see how friction affects the distance and speed with which an object moves over a surface. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/kindergarten-science/engineering-marble-movers) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/kindergarten-science/engineering-marble-movers) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image3-Oct-07-2023-01-01-27-2256-PM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/engineering-skyscrapers) ## [Engineering Skyscrapers In this unit, students analyze the science phenomena of different forces that can act on all structures. They begin by exploring how forces act on different materials and shapes. They then use what they know about forces to design a skyscraper prototype in this lesson, evaluating how their design relates to the ability of the skyscraper to withstand the weight of the structure and the people on it, as well as the force of wind.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/engineering-skyscrapers) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/engineering-skyscrapers) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image4-Oct-07-2023-01-10-50-1379-PM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/engineering-pick-and-place-devices) ## [Engineering Pick-and-Place Devices In this unit, students focus on science phenomena related to electric and magnetic forces. First, students explore how materials can become electrically charged and then attract or repel other materials without touching them. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/engineering-pick-and-place-devices) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/engineering-pick-and-place-devices) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image1-Oct-07-2023-01-22-43-4999-PM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/engineering-water-prisms) ## [Engineering Water Prisms In this unit, students focus on the science phenomenon of light energy, investigating how it travels in a straight line and interacts with matter. Students apply their knowledge to design a prototype with mirrors and water that creates rainbows. This page showcases each component of the lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/engineering-water-prisms) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/engineering-water-prisms) Standards citation: NGSS Lead States. 2013. *Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By State*s. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it. ![KnowAtom Logo](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/KnowAtom%20Logo.svg "KnowAtom Logo") Quick Links Resources Sign Up for Our Blog ### Sign Up for Our Blog Connect with Us - - - - © 2026 KnowAtom LLC  •  10 Brady Drive Unit 3   •  Ipswich MA •   01938 USA [DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION](https://www.knowatom.com/do-not-sell-my-personal-information) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.knowatom.com/privacy-policy) | [Terms of Use](https://www.knowatom.com/terms-of-use) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "USA", "addressLocality" : "Salem", "addressRegion" : "MA", "postalCode" : "01970", "streetAddress" : "27 Congress Suite 410" }, "alternateName" : "KA", "areaServed" : { "@type" : "GeoCircle", "geoMidpoint" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : "+42.5182274", "longitude" : "-70.8877569" }, "geoRadius" : "150 km" }, "description" : "Next Generation Science STEM Curriculum", "email" : "fvigeant@knowatom.com", "image" : "https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/KA-GSD.png", "logo" : "https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Knowatom-2017/Image/logo-1.png", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.knowatom.com/ets3", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "ETS3 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." }, "name" : "KnowAtom", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/KnowAtom", "https://twitter.com/KnowAtom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS0rbN0RfqaU1xaISrdVpTA", "https://plus.google.com/110709105138117096940" ], "telephone" : "(617) 475-3475", "url" : "https://www.knowatom.com" } ```