This poster outlines the eight Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) as defined by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Understanding and applying these practices are crucial for developing scientifically and technologically literate students. This guide helps educators and students alike grasp the core concepts and implement them effectively in the classroom and beyond.
What are the Science and Engineering Practices?
The NGSS identifies eight core Science and Engineering Practices that are essential for scientific inquiry and engineering design. These practices aren't isolated skills; they're interconnected and often used simultaneously in real-world applications. They represent the ways scientists and engineers approach problems and build knowledge.
1. Asking Questions and Defining Problems
This foundational practice involves formulating questions that can be investigated scientifically or engineering challenges that can be addressed through design. It emphasizes curiosity, critical thinking, and identifying the specific aspects of a problem that need investigation.
Examples: "How does the amount of sunlight affect plant growth?" or "How can we design a bridge that can withstand a specific load?"
2. Developing and Using Models
Models are simplified representations of complex systems or phenomena. This practice involves creating, using, and revising models to explain observations, make predictions, and communicate understanding. Models can take many forms – physical, conceptual, mathematical, or computational.
Examples: Building a 3D model of the solar system, creating a flowchart to represent a process, using a computer simulation to model weather patterns.
3. Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
This involves designing and conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results systematically. It highlights the importance of careful planning, controlled experiments, and the use of appropriate tools and techniques.
Examples: Designing an experiment to test the effectiveness of different fertilizers, collecting data on the speed of a rolling ball down an inclined plane, conducting a survey to gather information about student preferences.
4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data
This crucial step involves organizing, representing, and analyzing data to draw conclusions and identify patterns. It emphasizes data visualization, statistical analysis, and the ability to interpret data in the context of the investigation.
Examples: Creating graphs to represent experimental data, calculating averages and standard deviations, identifying trends and outliers in data sets.
5. Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
This practice recognizes the essential role of mathematics and computation in scientific inquiry and engineering design. It involves using mathematical models, simulations, and computational tools to analyze data, make predictions, and solve problems.
Examples: Using equations to calculate speed and acceleration, creating a computer program to analyze data sets, using spreadsheets to organize and analyze experimental results.
6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
This practice focuses on developing logical explanations based on evidence and designing solutions to engineering problems. It emphasizes the importance of evidence-based reasoning, iterative design, and the ability to communicate findings clearly.
Examples: Developing a scientific explanation for observed phenomena, designing a solution to reduce water pollution, proposing an engineering design for a more efficient energy system.
7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence
This practice involves constructing arguments supported by evidence and engaging in respectful debate with others. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating evidence, identifying biases, and constructing well-supported claims.
Examples: Participating in a class discussion about the evidence for climate change, presenting a scientific argument to support a hypothesis, defending an engineering design based on experimental data.
8. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
This practice emphasizes the importance of accessing, evaluating, and communicating scientific and engineering information effectively. It includes searching for reliable sources, critically evaluating information, and communicating findings to a specific audience.
Examples: Researching information from scientific journals, evaluating the credibility of online sources, presenting scientific findings through presentations or written reports.
Why are Science and Engineering Practices Important?
The SEPs are not merely a list of skills; they represent the core processes that drive scientific discovery and technological innovation. By mastering these practices, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, essential for success in any field.
How to Implement the Science and Engineering Practices
Effective implementation requires a shift from traditional teaching methods to student-centered, inquiry-based learning. Encourage collaboration, open-ended investigations, and opportunities for students to actively engage in all eight practices.
This poster serves as a valuable resource for educators and students alike to promote a deeper understanding and application of the Science and Engineering Practices, leading to a more robust and engaging STEM education.
