NGSS Science and Engineering Practices

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) outline a set of Science and Engineering Practices that are essential for students to develop their scientific and engineering skills. These practices provide a framework for engaging students in authentic scientific and engineering practices, enabling them to understand and apply scientific concepts in meaningful ways.

Integration of Practices

The NGSS emphasizes the integration of these Science and Engineering Practices with disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts. It recognizes that scientific and engineering practices are not isolated skills but are interconnected and essential for a comprehensive understanding of science. By engaging in these practices, students deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and principles and learn how to apply them in real-world contexts.

Modeling

One of the key practices emphasized in NGSS is the use of models. Students are encouraged to develop and use models to represent their understanding of scientific phenomena. These models can take various forms, including mental models, physical models, or computational models. By utilizing models, students can make sense of complex systems and phenomena, analyze data, and communicate their ideas effectively.

Scientific Inquiry

The NGSS promotes scientific inquiry by providing students with opportunities to ask questions, plan and carry out investigations, analyze and interpret data, and construct explanations based on evidence. Through inquiry-based learning, students develop critical thinking skills and learn to think like scientists. They learn to formulate testable questions, design experiments, gather data, and draw conclusions based on evidence, fostering a deeper understanding of scientific principles.

Engineering Design

In addition to scientific inquiry, the NGSS also emphasizes engineering design practices. Students are encouraged to apply their scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems through engineering design. The engineering design process involves defining a problem, generating and evaluating potential solutions, and optimizing and refining designs based on criteria and constraints. By engaging in engineering design, students develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the role of engineering in society.

These Science and Engineering Practices outlined by NGSS provide a foundation for students to develop essential skills and competencies in science and engineering. By integrating these practices into the curriculum, educators can create engaging learning experiences that foster scientific literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities in students.

Sources:

Next Generation Science Standards. (URL: https://www.nextgenscience.org/content/home-page)
Science Standards | NSTA. (URL: https://www.nsta.org/science-standards)
Science and Engineering Practices | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. (URL: https://dpi.wi.gov/science/standards/practices)

FAQs

What are the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices?

The NGSS Science and Engineering Practices are a set of eight practices that students should engage in to develop their scientific and engineering skills. These practices include:

Asking questions
Developing and using models
Planning and carrying out investigations
Analyzing and interpreting data
Using mathematics and computational thinking
Constructing explanations
Engaging in argument from evidence
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

How are the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices integrated into the curriculum?

The NGSS emphasizes the integration of these practices with disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts. By incorporating these practices into the curriculum, students develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and learn how to apply them in real-world contexts.

What is the role of modeling in the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices?

Modeling is a key practice highlighted in NGSS. Students are encouraged to develop and use models to represent their understanding of scientific phenomena. These models can be mental, physical, or computational and help students make sense of complex systems and phenomena.

How does the NGSS promote scientific inquiry?

What is the significance of engineering design in the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices?

The NGSS also emphasizes engineering design practices, where students apply scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems. Students engage in the engineering design process, which involves defining a problem, developing solutions, and optimizing and refining their designs based on criteria and constraints.