Scientific and Engineering Practices
Scientific inquiry is the planned and deliberate investigation of the natural world using scientific and engineering practices. Scientific methods of investigation are descriptive, comparative, or experimental. The method chosen should be appropriate to the grade level and question being asked. Student learning for different types of investigations include descriptive investigations, which involve collecting data and recording observations without making comparisons; comparative investigations, which involve collecting data with variables that are manipulated to compare results; and experimental investigations, which involve processes similar to comparative investigations but in which a control is identified.
(i) Scientific practices. Students ask questions, plan and conduct investigations to answer questions, and explain phenomena using appropriate tools and models.
(ii) Engineering practices. Students identify problems and design solutions using appropriate tools and models.
(iii) To support instruction in the science content standards, it is recommended that districts integrate scientific and engineering practices through classroom and outdoor investigations for at least 60% of instructional time.
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Spacecraft Design Task - STEM Project (Grades 1-3)
Implement STEM Education in the classroom with an exciting 'Build a Spacecraft' STEM Project for first through third grade students.
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Exploring the Scientific Method Teaching Slides - Lower Grades
Complete your introductory scientific method lesson plan with a ready-made Scientific Method Teaching Presentation!
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STEM Activity Graphic Organizer - Lower Grades
Use this STEM Activity graphic organizer with your students when completing STEM challenges.
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STEAM Challenges - Task Cards for 1st and 2nd Grade
Use our easy STEAM Challenges to inspire problem solving and creative thinking in your 1st and 2nd Grade classrooms.
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STEM Building Challenges (3-4)
Use our easy STEM Challenges to inspire problem solving and creative thinking in your 3rd and 4th Grade classrooms.
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STEM Word Wall Cards
Use our free printable STEM word wall to display essential STEM and STEAM-related vocabulary words.
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The Scientific Method Poster - Lower Grades
Teach the five steps of the scientific method to younger students with a Scientific Method Poster.
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Christmas Science Experiments
Perform Christmas Science Experiments and teach your students about the scientific method with a set of two printable Christmas Science activities.
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Capillary Action in Plants - Science Experiment Booklet
Observe and record learning about the Capillary Action of Plants with a printable science experiment guidebook.
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Bean Growth Experiment
“Grow” your students’ knowledge of plant life cycles with a plant growth experiment.
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Christmas STEM Challenge Cards - STEM Activities for Elementary
A set of 12 Christmas STEM activity cards for your students to enjoy during the holiday season.
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Build a Crayon Box – STEM Activity
Foster critical thinking and problem solving with this back to school STEM activity.
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Back to School STEM Challenge Cards – Primary
Integrate STEM activities into your back-to-school plans by guiding students to create a picture frame, name tag, and pencil cup.
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End of Year STEM Challenge
Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills with this set of STEM challenge cards.
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Plan Your Dream Vacation PDF / Slides Project
Prepare for a summer vacation with an end-of-the-year STEM activity.
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Build It! End of Year Interactive Engineering Activity
Bring engineering into the digital classroom with an interactive design project.
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Predict and Prove – Template
A template to help introduce making a hypothesis before starting an investigation.
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Science Experiment - Will It Change?
A science investigation in which the students observe changes that occur to various objects over time.
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Science Experiment - Keep Me Dry
A science experiment that explores the absorptive properties of materials.
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Nature Walk Senses Worksheet
Encourage children to listen, smell, look, and feel during a nature walk with this graphic organizer!