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 50% of instructional time.
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Science Experiment - Suck It Up!
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate materials and their absorptive properties through a scientific investigation.
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What's the Use? - Developing a Hypothesis to Investigate
A 60 minute lesson in which students will learn how to develop an effective hypothesis for scientific investigations.
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Freedom of Choice - Developing Scientific Lines of Questioning
A 60 minute lesson in which students will learn how to develop scientific lines of questioning to initiate a scientific investigation.
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Fake Plastic Trees - A Demonstration Comparing Properties of Natural and Processed Materials
A 60 minute lesson in which students will compare the properties of natural and processed materials through a demonstration.
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Plastic and Concrete - How Do People Use Processed Materials?
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the ways humans produce and use processed materials.
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Natural Science - How Do People Use Natural Materials?
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the use of natural materials by humans throughout history.
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Living in the Material World - Examining Natural and Processed Materials
A 60 minute lesson in which students will examine and understand the differences between natural and processed materials and their uses.