NGSS Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs)

A practice of science is to ask and refine questions that lead to descriptions and explanations of how the natural and designed world(s) works and which can be empirically tested.

• Asking Questions & Defining Problems

• Developing & Using Models

• Planning & Carrying Out Investigations

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-3

Scientists and engineers plan and carry out investigations in the field or laboratory, working collaboratively as well as individually. Their investigations are systematic and require clarifying what counts as data and identifying variables or parameters.

• Planning & Carrying Out Investigations

• Using Mathematical & Computational Thinking

• Constructing Explanations & Designing Solutions

• Engaging In Argument From Evidence

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

A practice of both science and engineering is to use and construct models as helpful tools for representing ideas and explanations. These tools include diagrams, drawings, physical replicas, mathematical representations, analogies, and computer simulations.

• Developing & Using Models

• Constructing Explanations & Designing Solutions

• Engaging In Agrument From Evidence

• Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

Scientific investigations produce data that must be analyzed in order to derive meaning. Because data patterns and trends are not always obvious, scientists use a range of tools - including tabulation, graphical interpretation, visualization, and statistical analysis - to identify the significant features and patterns in the data. Scientists identify sources of error in the investigations and calculate the degree of certainty in the results.

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data

• Using Mathematical & Computational Thinking

• Constructing Explanations & Designing Solutions

• Engaging In Argument From Evidence

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

In both science and engineering, mathematics and computation are fundamental tools for representing physical variables and their relationships. They are used for a range of tasks such as constructing simulations; solving equations exactly or approximately; and recognizing, expressing, and applying quantitative relationships.

• Using Mathematical & Computational Thinking

• Constructing Explanations & Designing Solutions

• Engaging In Argument From Evidence

• Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Infromation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

The end-products of science are explanations and the end-products of engineering are solutions. The goal of science is the construction of theories that provide explanatory accounts of the world. A theory becomes accepted when it has multiple lines of empirical evidence and greater explanatory power of phenomena than previous theories.

• Constructing Explanations & Designing Solutions

• Engaging In Argument From Evidence

• Obtaining, Evaluating & Communicating Information

• Asking Questions & Defining Problems

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

NGSS.HS-ETS1-2

Argumentation is the process by which evidence-based conclusions and solutions are reached. In science and engineering, reasoning and argument based on evidence are essential to identifying the best explanation for a natural phenomenon or the best solution to a design problem.

• Engaging In Argument From Evidence

• Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information

• Asking Questions & Defining Problems

• Developing & Using Models

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

Scientists and engineers must be able to communicate clearly and persuasively the ideas and methods they generate. Critiquing and communicating ideas individually and in groups is a critical professional activity.

• Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information

• Asking Questions & Designing Solutions

• Developing & Using Models

• Planning & Carrying Out Investigations

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4