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 engineering and incorporate the practices that scientists and engineers use in their work.
The NGSS emphasize the importance of hands-on learning and inquiry-based instruction. Students are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, and test their ideas through experimentation. The NGSS also focus on developing students’ critical thinking skills and their ability to communicate their findings.
The NGSS have been widely adopted by states and school districts across the United States. They have been praised for their rigor and their focus on preparing students for college and careers in science and engineering.
Science and Engineering Practices NGSS
The NGSS Science and Engineering Practices are a set of eight practices that all students should engage in as they learn about science and engineering. 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 are the practices that scientists and engineers use in their work. By engaging in these practices, students learn how to think like scientists and engineers, and they develop the skills they need to be successful in STEM careers.
Asking questions (and defining problems)
Asking questions is a fundamental part of science and engineering. Scientists and engineers ask questions about the world around them in order to better understand it and to solve problems. The NGSS Science and Engineering Practice of “Asking questions (and defining problems)” encourages students to do the same.
- Developing questions: Students should be able to develop their own questions about the world around them. These questions can be about anything, but they should be specific and answerable. For example, a student might ask, “Why do leaves change color in the fall?” or “How does a plant get its food?”
- Defining problems: Once students have developed a question, they need to define the problem that they are trying to solve. This means identifying the specific goal of their investigation and the constraints that they are working under. For example, a student who is trying to answer the question “Why do leaves change color in the fall?” might define the problem as “to determine the relationship between the amount of sunlight and the color of leaves.”
- Asking questions and defining problems is an iterative process: As students gather more information and learn more about the topic they are investigating, they may need to revise their questions and redefine their problems. This is a normal part of the scientific and engineering process.
- Asking questions and defining problems is a skill that can be learned: Students can learn to ask better questions and define problems more clearly by practicing. The more they practice, the better they will become at it.
Asking questions and defining problems is an essential part of science and engineering. By engaging in this practice, students learn how to think like scientists and engineers, and they develop the skills they need to be successful in STEM careers.
Developing and using models
Developing and using models is a fundamental part of science and engineering. Scientists and engineers use models to represent the world around them and to solve problems. The NGSS Science and Engineering Practice of “Developing and using models” encourages students to do the same.
- Models can be used to represent a wide variety of things, including objects, systems, and processes. For example, a scientist might develop a model of a cell to study how it works, or an engineer might develop a model of a bridge to test its safety.
- Models can be used to make predictions. For example, a scientist might use a model of the climate to predict how it will change in the future, or an engineer might use a model of a car to predict how it will perform in a crash.
- Models can be used to solve problems. For example, a scientist might use a model of a disease to develop a new treatment, or an engineer might use a model of a traffic system to design a new road.
- Developing and using models is an iterative process. As scientists and engineers learn more about the world around them, they may need to revise their models. This is a normal part of the scientific and engineering process.
Developing and using models is an essential part of science and engineering. By engaging in this practice, students learn how to think like scientists and engineers, and they develop the skills they need to be successful in STEM careers.
Planning and carrying out investigations
Planning and carrying out investigations is a fundamental part of science and engineering. Scientists and engineers use investigations to answer questions about the world around them and to solve problems. The NGSS Science and Engineering Practice of “Planning and carrying out investigations” encourages students to do the same.
There are many different types of investigations that scientists and engineers can carry out. Some investigations are simple and can be completed in a short amount of time, while others are more complex and can take months or even years to complete. No matter how complex an investigation is, it is important to follow a careful plan in order to ensure that the results are valid.
Developing a good research plan is essential for a successful investigation. Planning and carrying out investigations can help ensure the validity and reliability of research findings. It also enables researchers to replicate and build upon the work of others. Scientists often modify their investigations based on the results they uncover during their research. Refining research questions and hypotheses, as well as selecting appropriate methodologies, are key components of the iterative nature of science.
The planning process typically begins with identifying a research question or problem. Once the research question has been identified, the researcher needs to develop a hypothesis, which is a testable prediction about the outcome of the investigation. The researcher then needs to design an experiment or study to test the hypothesis. The experiment or study should be designed to control for all of the variables that could affect the outcome, and it should be conducted in a way that ensures that the results are valid and reliable.
Once the experiment or study has been conducted, the researcher needs to analyze the data and draw conclusions. The conclusions should be based on the evidence that was gathered during the investigation, and they should be stated in a clear and concise manner. Investigations allow scientists and engineers to answer questions, test hypotheses, and solve problems.
Analyzing and interpreting data
Analyzing and interpreting data is a fundamental part of science and engineering. Scientists and engineers use data to answer questions about the world around them and to solve problems. The NGSS Science and Engineering Practice of “Analyzing and interpreting data” encourages students to do the same.
Data can come from a variety of sources, including experiments, observations, and simulations. Scientists and engineers use a variety of tools and techniques to analyze and interpret data, including statistical analysis, graphical representation, and modeling. By analyzing and interpreting data, scientists and engineers can identify patterns, trends, and relationships that would not be apparent from the raw data alone.
Analyzing and interpreting data is an essential part of the scientific and engineering process. It allows scientists and engineers to make evidence-based decisions and to develop new theories and models. In everyday life, we are constantly bombarded with data. From the moment we wake up and check our phones to the moment we go to bed and turn off the lights, we are constantly generating and consuming data. This data can be used to track our spending, our health, our fitness, and even our sleep patterns.
By learning how to analyze and interpret data, students can develop the critical thinking skills they need to make informed decisions about their own lives and the world around them. Analyzing and interpreting data is a powerful tool that can be used to solve problems, make discoveries, and improve our understanding of the world.
Using mathematics and computational thinking
Mathematics and computational thinking are essential tools for scientists and engineers. They use mathematics to model and analyze the world around them, and they use computational thinking to design and implement solutions to problems. The NGSS Science and Engineering Practice of “Using mathematics and computational thinking” encourages students to do the same.
- Mathematical and computational thinking are used to make sense of data. Scientists and engineers use mathematics to analyze data and identify patterns and trends. They also use computational thinking to develop models and simulations that can help them to understand complex systems.
- Mathematical and computational thinking are used to design solutions to problems. Scientists and engineers use mathematics to design and optimize solutions to problems. They also use computational thinking to develop algorithms and software that can automate tasks and solve complex problems.
- Mathematical and computational thinking are used to communicate ideas. Scientists and engineers use mathematics and computational thinking to communicate their ideas to others. They use mathematical equations, graphs, and diagrams to explain their findings and to present their solutions to problems.
- Mathematical and computational thinking are used to make predictions. Scientists and engineers use mathematics and computational thinking to make predictions about the future. They use mathematical models to simulate complex systems and to predict how they will behave under different conditions.
By learning how to use mathematics and computational thinking, students can develop the skills they need to be successful in science, engineering, and other STEM fields.
Constructing explanations (and designing solutions)
Constructing explanations and designing solutions is a fundamental part of science and engineering. Scientists and engineers use evidence from their investigations to construct explanations about the world around them and to design solutions to problems. The NGSS Science and Engineering Practice of “Constructing explanations (and designing solutions)” encourages students to do the same. Constructing explanations and designing solutions involves:
- Communicating information: Scientists and engineers communicate their explanations and solutions to others through a variety of means, including scientific papers, presentations, and models.
- Developing and using models: Scientists and engineers use models to represent their explanations and solutions. Models can be physical, mathematical, or computational.
- Testing and refining explanations and solutions: Scientists and engineers test their explanations and solutions through experimentation and observation. They refine their explanations and solutions based on the results of their testing.
- Applying explanations and solutions to new situations: Scientists and engineers apply their explanations and solutions to new situations in order to solve problems and improve the world around them.
Constructing explanations and designing solutions is an essential part of the scientific and engineering process. It allows scientists and engineers to communicate their ideas, test their theories, and solve problems. By engaging in this practice, students learn how to think like scientists and engineers, and they develop the skills they need to be successful in STEM careers.
Engaging in argument from evidence
Engaging in argument from evidence is a fundamental part of science and engineering. Scientists and engineers use evidence to support their claims and to persuade others of their conclusions. The NGSS Science and Engineering Practice of “Engaging in argument from evidence” encourages students to do the same.
- Evaluating and selecting evidence: Scientists and engineers evaluate the quality and relevance of evidence before using it to support their claims. They also select the most appropriate evidence to use in their arguments.
- Constructing and presenting arguments: Scientists and engineers construct arguments that are logical and well-supported by evidence. They present their arguments in a clear and concise manner.
- Responding to and critiquing arguments: Scientists and engineers respond to and critique the arguments of others. They identify strengths and weaknesses in arguments and provide evidence to support their critiques.
- Making evidence-based decisions: Scientists and engineers make decisions based on the evidence that they have gathered and analyzed. They consider the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments and make decisions that are supported by the best available evidence.
Engaging in argument from evidence is an essential part of the scientific and engineering process. It allows scientists and engineers to communicate their ideas, test their theories, and solve problems. By engaging in this practice, students learn how to think like scientists and engineers, and they develop the skills they need to be successful in STEM careers.
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information is a fundamental part of science and engineering. Scientists and engineers need to be able to find and evaluate information from a variety of sources in order to answer questions and solve problems. They also need to be able to communicate their findings to others in a clear and concise manner.
- Finding information: Scientists and engineers use a variety of methods to find information, including reading scientific journals, searching online databases, and interviewing experts. They need to be able to evaluate the credibility of sources and determine which information is relevant to their research.
- Evaluating information: Once scientists and engineers have found information, they need to evaluate its quality. They need to consider the source of the information, the date it was published, and the methods that were used to collect and analyze the data. They also need to be able to identify any biases or conflicts of interest that may have influenced the information.
- Communicating information: Scientists and engineers communicate their findings to others through a variety of means, including writing papers, giving presentations, and creating websites. They need to be able to communicate their findings in a clear and concise manner, and they need to be able to use appropriate visuals and data to support their claims.
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information is a critical skill for scientists and engineers. It allows them to stay up-to-date on the latest research, to share their findings with others, and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
FAQs about Science and Engineering Practices (NGSS)
The NGSS are a set of K-12 science standards that outline what students should know and be able to do in science. They are based on the latest research on how students learn science and engineering and incorporate the practices that scientists and engineers use in their work.
Question 1: What are the eight science and engineering practices?
The eight science and engineering practices are:
1. Asking questions (and defining problems)
2. Developing and using models
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Constructing explanations (and designing solutions)
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Question 2: Why are the science and engineering practices important?
The science and engineering practices are important because they are the practices that scientists and engineers use in their work. By engaging in these practices, students learn how to think like scientists and engineers, and they develop the skills they need to be successful in STEM careers.
Question 3: How can I incorporate the science and engineering practices into my teaching?
There are many ways to incorporate the science and engineering practices into your teaching. One way is to use hands-on activities that allow students to experience the practices firsthand. Another way is to use inquiry-based instruction, which encourages students to ask questions, investigate problems, and develop their own explanations.
Question 4: What are some examples of science and engineering practices in action?
Here are some examples of science and engineering practices in action:
A student asks a question about why leaves change color in the fall and designs an experiment to investigate the question.
A student uses a model to represent the solar system and explains how the planets move around the sun.
A student analyzes data from a weather station to identify patterns and trends in the weather.
Question 5: How can I assess student learning of the science and engineering practices?
There are many ways to assess student learning of the science and engineering practices. One way is to use performance-based assessments, which require students to demonstrate their understanding of the practices by completing a task or project. Another way is to use formative assessments, which are used to check student understanding throughout the learning process.
Question 6: Where can I find more information about the science and engineering practices?
There are many resources available online and in print that can provide you with more information about the science and engineering practices. Some helpful resources include:
The NGSS website: https://www.nextgenscience.org/
The NSTA website: https://www.nsta.org/
The Science and Engineering Practices Framework: https://www.nap.edu/catalog/25500/a-framework-for-k-12-science-education-practices-crosscutting-concepts
The science and engineering practices are an essential part of science education. By incorporating these practices into your teaching, you can help your students develop the skills they need to be successful in STEM careers and beyond.
Transition to the next article section:
The NGSS also include a set of crosscutting concepts that are interwoven throughout the science and engineering practices. The crosscutting concepts help students to make connections between different areas of science and to see how science is used to solve real-world problems. To learn more about the crosscutting concepts, please see the next article section.
Science and Engineering Practices (NGSS) Tips
Science and Engineering Practices (SEP) are a set of eight practices that all students should engage in while learning about science and engineering. These practices were developed by the National Research Council as part of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
By engaging in SEP, students develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to be successful in STEM fields.
Here are five tips for incorporating SEP into your science and engineering instruction:
Tip 1: Start with the practices. Don’t just add SEP to your existing lessons. Instead, start by identifying the SEP that are most relevant to the content you are teaching. Then, plan your lessons around those practices.
Tip 2: Make the practices explicit. Don’t assume that students will know what SEP are or how to use them. Take time to explain the practices to students and provide them with opportunities to practice using them.
Tip 3: Use hands-on activities. SEP are best learned through hands-on activities that allow students to experience the practices firsthand. For example, you could have students design and conduct an experiment to investigate a scientific question or build a model to represent a scientific concept.
Tip 4: Encourage student discourse. SEP involve talking and listening to others. Encourage student to share their ideas, ask questions and engage in discussions about scientific and engineering concepts.
Tip 5: Use formative assessment. Formative assessment can help you track student progress and identify areas where students need additional support.
By following these tips, you can help your students develop the SEP skills they need to be successful in science and engineering.
Science and Engineering Practices (NGSS) Conclusion
The NGSS Science and Engineering Practices (SEP) are a set of eight practices that all students should engage in while learning about science and engineering. These practices are based on the latest research on how students learn and are essential for students to develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to be successful in STEM fields.
By incorporating SEP into your science and engineering instruction, you can help your students develop the skills they need to be successful in STEM careers and beyond. You can also help them become more scientifically literate citizens who are able to make informed decisions about the world around them.
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