Sofia BauerThe Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are a set of K-12 science standards that outline what students should know and be able to do in science. The NGSS are based on the latest research on how students learn science and were developed by a team of scientists, educators, and policymakers.
The NGSS are organized around eight science and engineering practices. These practices are the processes that scientists use to investigate and understand the world around them. They are also the processes that students need to develop in order to become scientifically literate.
The eight science and engineering practices are:
- Asking questions and defining problems
- Developing and using models
- Planning and carrying out investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Using mathematics and computational thinking
- Constructing explanations and designing solutions
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
The NGSS science and engineering practices are essential for students to develop in order to become scientifically literate. These practices help students to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions about the world around them.
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices
The NGSS science and engineering practices are a set of eight practices that students should develop in order to become scientifically literate. These practices are:
- Asking questions and defining problems
- Developing and using models
- Planning and carrying out investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Using mathematics and computational thinking
- Constructing explanations and designing solutions
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
These practices are essential for students to develop in order to become scientifically literate. They help students to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions about the world around them.
For example, the practice of asking questions and defining problems is essential for students to be able to identify and investigate scientific problems. The practice of developing and using models is essential for students to be able to represent and understand scientific concepts. The practice of planning and carrying out investigations is essential for students to be able to test hypotheses and collect data. The practice of analyzing and interpreting data is essential for students to be able to make sense of the data they collect. The practice of using mathematics and computational thinking is essential for students to be able to use mathematical and computational tools to solve scientific problems. The practice of constructing explanations and designing solutions is essential for students to be able to develop and communicate scientific explanations and solutions. The practice of engaging in argument from evidence is essential for students to be able to evaluate and critique scientific claims. The practice of obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information is essential for students to be able to find, evaluate, and communicate scientific information.
Asking questions and defining problems
Asking questions and defining problems is the starting point for any scientific investigation. It is a skill that scientists use to identify and investigate the world around them. It is also a skill that students need to develop in order to become scientifically literate.
- Identifying problems: Scientists use questions to identify problems that they want to investigate. For example, a scientist might ask, “Why is the sky blue?” or “What is the cause of cancer?” Once a scientist has identified a problem, they can begin to develop a research plan to investigate it.
- Defining problems: Once a scientist has identified a problem, they need to define it clearly. This means identifying the specific variables that are involved in the problem and the relationships between those variables. For example, a scientist might define the problem of “Why is the sky blue?” as “The sky appears blue because of the way that sunlight interacts with molecules in the atmosphere.”
- Asking questions: Scientists use questions to guide their investigations. They ask questions about the data they collect, the models they develop, and the conclusions they draw. For example, a scientist might ask, “What is the relationship between the wavelength of light and the color of the sky?” or “How does the amount of pollution in the atmosphere affect the color of the sky?”
- Developing hypotheses: Scientists use questions to develop hypotheses. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a problem. For example, a scientist might hypothesize that “The sky is blue because the molecules in the atmosphere scatter blue light more than other colors of light.”
Asking questions and defining problems is a critical skill for scientists and students alike. It is the foundation for all scientific investigations.
Developing and using models
Developing and using models is a critical component of the NGSS science and engineering practices. Models are representations of the natural world that can be used to explain, predict, and control phenomena. They can be physical, mathematical, or computational, and can range from simple to complex.
Models are used extensively in science to explore and understand complex systems. For example, scientists use models to study the climate, the human body, and the behavior of galaxies. Models can also be used to predict the future behavior of a system, such as the weather or the spread of a disease. In engineering, models are used to design and test new products and technologies.
Developing and using models is an important skill for students to learn. It helps them to understand the world around them and to make predictions about how it will behave in the future. It also helps them to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
There are many different ways to develop and use models. Some common types of models include:
- Physical models are physical representations of a system, such as a model airplane or a model of the solar system.
- Mathematical models are mathematical representations of a system, such as a set of equations that describes the motion of a projectile.
- Computer models are computational representations of a system, such as a computer simulation of a weather system.
The type of model that is used depends on the purpose of the model and the available resources.
Developing and using models is a challenging but rewarding process. It can help students to develop their understanding of the world around them and to make predictions about how it will behave in the future. It is also a valuable skill for scientists and engineers.
Planning and carrying out investigations
Planning and carrying out investigations is a fundamental component of the NGSS science and engineering practices. It involves designing and conducting a scientific investigation to answer a question or test a hypothesis. This practice is essential for students to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as their understanding of the scientific process.
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Facet 1: Defining a research question
The first step in planning and carrying out an investigation is to define a research question. This question should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, a student might ask, “What is the effect of different types of music on plant growth?”
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Facet 2: Designing an experiment
Once a research question has been defined, students need to design an experiment to test their hypothesis. This involves identifying the variables in the experiment, the type of data to be collected, and the procedures to be followed.
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Facet 3: Conducting the experiment
Once an experiment has been designed, students need to conduct it carefully and accurately. This involves following the procedures that were outlined in the design, and making sure to collect accurate data.
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Facet 4: Analyzing and interpreting data
Once data has been collected, students need to analyze and interpret it. This involves looking for patterns and trends in the data, and drawing conclusions about the results of the experiment.
Planning and carrying out investigations is a complex and challenging process, but it is also an essential one. By following the steps outlined above, students can develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the scientific process.
Analyzing and interpreting data
Analyzing and interpreting data is a critical component of the NGSS science and engineering practices. It involves making sense of data collected through observation, experimentation, or research. Scientists and engineers use data analysis to identify patterns, draw conclusions, and develop evidence-based explanations.
There are many different ways to analyze and interpret data. Some common methods include:
- Descriptive statistics: Descriptive statistics summarize the data in a way that makes it easier to understand. For example, a scientist might use descriptive statistics to calculate the mean, median, and mode of a data set.
- Inferential statistics: Inferential statistics allow scientists to make inferences about a population based on a sample. For example, a scientist might use inferential statistics to test a hypothesis about the effectiveness of a new drug.
- Data visualization: Data visualization is a way of representing data in a graphical format. This can make it easier to see patterns and trends in the data.
Analyzing and interpreting data is an important skill for scientists and engineers. It allows them to make sense of the world around them and to make informed decisions.
For example, scientists use data analysis to understand the causes of diseases, to develop new treatments, and to predict the weather. Engineers use data analysis to design safer and more efficient products, to improve manufacturing processes, and to develop new technologies.
Analyzing and interpreting data is also an important skill for students. It helps them to develop their critical thinking skills and to make informed decisions about the world around them.
For example, students can use data analysis to understand the effects of different variables on plant growth, to compare the effectiveness of different teaching methods, and to make predictions about the future.
Using mathematics and computational thinking
Mathematics and computational thinking are essential components of the NGSS science and engineering practices. They allow scientists and engineers to model and analyze complex systems, solve problems, and make predictions. For example, scientists use mathematics to develop models of the climate, the human body, and the behavior of galaxies. Engineers use mathematics to design and test new products and technologies.
Computational thinking is a way of thinking like a computer scientist. It involves breaking down a problem into smaller parts, identifying patterns, and developing algorithms to solve the problem. Computational thinking is essential for scientists and engineers because it allows them to solve complex problems that would be difficult or impossible to solve without a computer.
The NGSS science and engineering practices are a set of eight practices that students should develop in order to become scientifically literate. These practices include asking questions and defining problems, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematics and computational thinking, constructing explanations and designing solutions, engaging in argument from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. Using mathematics and computational thinking is an essential part of all of these practices.
For example, students use mathematics and computational thinking to develop models of ecosystems, to analyze data on plant growth, and to design and test solutions to environmental problems. By using mathematics and computational thinking, students can develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and become more effective problem-solvers.
The connection between mathematics and computational thinking and the NGSS science and engineering practices is essential for students to understand in order to become scientifically literate. By understanding this connection, students can develop the skills they need to solve complex problems, make informed decisions, and participate in the 21st-century workforce.
Constructing explanations and designing solutions
Constructing explanations and designing solutions is a fundamental part of the NGSS science and engineering practices. It involves developing and presenting a logical and coherent explanation for a phenomenon or problem, and then designing and implementing a solution to address the problem. This practice is essential for students to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as their understanding of the scientific process.
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Facet 1: Generating and critiquing solutions
The first facet of constructing explanations and designing solutions involves generating and critiquing solutions to problems. This includes identifying and evaluating different potential solutions, and selecting the best solution based on the available evidence.
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Facet 2: Developing and using models
The second facet of constructing explanations and designing solutions involves developing and using models. This includes creating representations of the problem or solution, such as diagrams, flowcharts, or computer simulations.
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Facet 3: Communicating solutions
The third facet of constructing explanations and designing solutions involves communicating the solution to others. This includes presenting the solution in a clear and concise way, and explaining the rationale for the solution.
Constructing explanations and designing solutions is a complex and challenging process, but it is also an essential one. By following the steps outlined above, students can develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the scientific process.
Engaging in argument from evidence
Engaging in argument from evidence is a fundamental part of the NGSS science and engineering practices. It involves using evidence to support a claim or argument, and then defending that claim or argument against criticism. This practice is essential for students to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as their understanding of the scientific process.
There are many different ways to engage in argument from evidence. One common method is to use the Toulmin model of argumentation. This model consists of six elements: claim, evidence, warrant, backing, qualifier, and rebuttal. The claim is the statement that is being made. The evidence is the data or information that supports the claim. The warrant is the reasoning that connects the evidence to the claim. The backing is the evidence that supports the warrant. The qualifier is a statement that limits the scope of the claim. The rebuttal is a statement that addresses potential objections to the claim.
Engaging in argument from evidence is an essential part of the scientific process. Scientists use argument from evidence to support their claims about the natural world. They use evidence from observations, experiments, and other sources to build a case for their claims. They then defend their claims against criticism from other scientists.
Engaging in argument from evidence is also an important skill for students to develop. It helps them to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It also helps them to understand the scientific process and to make informed decisions about the world around them.
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information is a critical component of the NGSS science and engineering practices. It involves finding, understanding, and communicating information from a variety of sources. This practice is essential for students to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to make informed decisions.
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Facet 1: Identifying credible sources of information
The first step in obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information is to identify credible sources of information. This means being able to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information. Reliable sources of information are those that are accurate, well-researched, and unbiased. Unreliable sources of information are those that are inaccurate, poorly-researched, or biased.
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Facet 2: Evaluating the credibility of information
Once you have identified a credible source of information, you need to evaluate the credibility of the information itself. This means being able to determine whether the information is accurate, reliable, and relevant. You can evaluate the credibility of information by considering the following factors:
- The author’s credentials
- The date the information was published
- The purpose of the information
- The accuracy of the information
- The objectivity of the information
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Facet 3: Communicating information
Once you have evaluated the credibility of information, you need to be able to communicate it effectively. This means being able to present the information in a clear, concise, and accurate manner. You can communicate information through a variety of methods, including writing, speaking, and creating visual aids.
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information is a complex and challenging process, but it is also an essential one. By following the steps outlined above, students can develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
FAQs
The NGSS Science and Engineering Practices are a set of eight practices that all students should develop in order to become scientifically literate. These practices are:
- Asking questions and defining problems
- Developing and using models
- Planning and carrying out investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Using mathematics and computational thinking
- Constructing explanations and designing solutions
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
These practices are essential for students to develop because they help them to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions about the world around them.
Question 1: What are the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices?
The NGSS Science and Engineering Practices are a set of eight practices that all students should develop in order to become scientifically literate. These practices are listed above.
Question 2: Why are the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices important?
The NGSS Science and Engineering Practices are important because they help students to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions about the world around them. These practices are essential for students to succeed in science and engineering courses, and they are also essential for students to be successful in the 21st-century workforce.
Question 3: How can I help my students develop the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices?
There are many ways to help your students develop the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices. One way is to provide them with opportunities to engage in hands-on science and engineering activities. Another way is to help them to develop their critical thinking skills. You can also help your students to develop the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices by providing them with opportunities to communicate their ideas about science and engineering.
Question 4: What are some examples of the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices?
Some examples of the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices include asking questions and defining problems, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematics and computational thinking, constructing explanations and designing solutions, engaging in argument from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.
Question 5: How are the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices assessed?
The NGSS Science and Engineering Practices are assessed in a variety of ways, including through performance tasks, projects, and portfolios. These assessments measure students’ ability to apply the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices to real-world problems.
Question 6: What are the benefits of using the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices in the classroom?
There are many benefits to using the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices in the classroom. These benefits include improved student engagement, increased student achievement, and better preparation for college and careers.
Summary of key takeaways or final thought:
The NGSS Science and Engineering Practices are a set of eight practices that all students should develop in order to become scientifically literate. These practices are essential for students to succeed in science and engineering courses, and they are also essential for students to be successful in the 21st-century workforce.
Transition to the next article section:
For more information on the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices, please visit the NGSS website.
Tips for Implementing NGSS Science and Engineering Practices
The NGSS Science and Engineering Practices are a set of eight practices that all students should develop in order to become scientifically literate. These practices are essential for students to succeed in science and engineering courses, and they are also essential for students to be successful in the 21st-century workforce.
Here are five tips for implementing NGSS Science and Engineering Practices in the classroom:
Tip 1: Start with a real-world problem.
One of the best ways to engage students and help them to understand the relevance of science is to start with a real-world problem. This could be a problem that you have encountered in your own life, or it could be a problem that you have read about in the news. Once you have a problem, you can use the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices to help students to investigate the problem and develop a solution.
Tip 2: Let students explore and investigate.
Students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process. This means giving them opportunities to explore and investigate on their own. You can do this by providing them with hands-on activities, allowing them to conduct their own experiments, and encouraging them to ask questions.
Tip 3: Help students to develop their critical thinking skills.
Critical thinking is an essential skill for scientists and engineers. It involves being able to analyze information, identify patterns, and draw conclusions. You can help students to develop their critical thinking skills by asking them open-ended questions, encouraging them to debate different viewpoints, and teaching them how to use logic and evidence to support their claims.
Tip 4: Encourage students to communicate their ideas.
Communication is an important part of science and engineering. Scientists and engineers need to be able to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. You can help students to develop their communication skills by giving them opportunities to present their work to others, write reports, and participate in discussions.
Tip 5: Use technology to support learning.
Technology can be a powerful tool for supporting learning. There are a variety of software programs and online resources that can help students to learn about science and engineering. You can use technology to help students to collect data, conduct experiments, and create models.
By following these tips, you can help your students to develop the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices and become scientifically literate.
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices
The NGSS Science and Engineering Practices are a set of eight practices that all students should develop in order to become scientifically literate. These practices are essential for students to succeed in science and engineering courses, and they are also essential for students to be successful in the 21st-century workforce.
This article has provided an overview of the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices, and has offered some tips for implementing these practices in the classroom. By following these tips, educators can help their students to develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that they need to be successful in science and engineering.
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