We are all pretty familiar with the traditional scientific method and the step-by-step path that it follows. Another use of the scientific method can be seen here with the best Science and Engineering Practices, which are a little less linear. Why don’t we dive in and take a look at the 8 science and engineering practices, and examples of them?
LEARNING WITH THE BEST SCIENCE PRACTICES
WHAT ARE SCIENTIFIC PRACTICES?
The word “science” comes from the Latin word “knowledge”. So science is all about gaining knowledge about the world around us. But how do scientists come up with that knowledge? In a systematic way that involves lots of observation and experimentation!
These best science and engineering practices below are behaviors that kids can demonstrate as they develop an understanding of science topics and concepts.
They may look less structured than the traditional scientific method, and allow for a more free–flowing approach to problem-solving and finding answers to questions. However, these skills are critical to developing future engineers, inventors, and scientists!
Allowing kids to use the practices with whatever they are learning is essential. This process will encourage using higher-order thinking skills for creating, evaluating, and analyzing.
As kids develop the practices of questioning, gathering data, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation. Now that’s a winner!
* Note: You might be familiar with the more traditional scientific method which includes some similar practices but in a linear format. These steps include asking questions, developing a hypothesis, conducting research, doing experiments and tests, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.
8 SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PRACTICES
ASKING QUESTIONS
Asking questions is an important part of discovering and learning new things. In science, good questions help scientists discover more about the world and how it works.
Asking questions is a fundamental skill for kids to develop. When kids are curious about something, they ask questions. Introduce kids to science activities and themed science centers, and even go out into nature to stir curiosity about the world around them.
Teach kids to ask scientific questions. Scientific questions are defined, can be tested, and can be answered using data. Show kids how to come up with good scientific questions by brainstorming possible questions and eliminating any that are too broad and can’t be tested.
The practice of asking questions can be informal, think class or small group discussions, or formal, such as written questions. Also, see our STEM questions for reflection.
DEVELOPING AND USING MODELS
Kids might think of models as a smaller copy of a model car or plane. In science and engineering, models are a way to represent ideas, events, or processes.
Models can help explain complex ideas more simply. They are based on observations and current explanations about how things work. But because they are simplified, they can’t represent every detail. Good models can be tested and redesigned, and used to improve predictions.
Examples of models that kids may use to develop understanding include maps, drawings, diagrams, 3-D structures, and physical models.
PLANNING AND CARRYING OUT INVESTIGATIONS
Kids can practice planning and carrying out investigations with hands-on science activities that answer a question or test the solution to a problem. A simple plan may include a list of materials needed and the steps to be taken.
A more involved investigation will include the identification of relevant variables and considering how they might be observed, measured, and controlled. Kids will need to think about how they will collect and record the data, as well as the time frame needed for the investigation.
Observation is a powerful science tool!
ANALYZING AND INTERPRETING DATA
Data are the observations and measurements that you collect to answer a question. Before it can be useful though data needs to be analyzed and interpreted. Data can be organized with tables, graphs, and other means to help reveal any patterns or relationships.
When kids are looking at the data they have collected, it is important for them to identify anything of significance and anything that may be an error. Interpretations of the data are not facts or personal opinions but suggestions about what it means.
USING MATH AND COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
It is important for kids to understand how math and computer programs are connected to observations, experiences, and ideas about the world around us. This begins by having an awareness of mathematics in science.
Using math and computational thinking for kids can be as simple as recognizing and describing the number patterns they see around them. It can describe, measure, and compare quantities and record them in a graph. Then, use quantities such as area, volume, weight, and time to answer scientific and engineering questions and problems.
CONSTRUCTING EXPLANATIONS
You want kids to be able to form their own explanations rather than just having the science content explained to them. Explanations can be communicated using words, pictures, and numbers; for many kids, this will take lots of practice.
Teach kids how to construct explanations in science by getting them to write down what they are thinking. Start with a sentence about what they think the answer is. Then state the evidence, which is exactly what they observed. Finish with the “because”, which is the scientific principles they have been learning about.
ENGAGING IN ARGUMENTS FROM EVIDENCE
Engaging in arguments is important for kids because it makes explanations or solutions much clearer. It also helps kids learn to differentiate between evidence and opinion and receive and respond to feedback from others.
Often, this process starts with a question, which may have multiple potential answers. Why do you think this is happening? Those possible answers are known as claims. The evidence comes in the form of observations or data, and kids need to work through the evidence that supports the different claims.
OBTAINING, EVALUATING, AND COMMUNICATING INFORMATION
Scientists and engineers must be able to gather information and communicate their findings. For kids, scientific literacy includes the ability to find out, evaluate, and communicate scientific information. Information can be gathered from age-appropriate texts like teacher-recommended STEM, engineering, or science books, videos, and media.
Communicating information can happen in multiple ways. Kids could use words, diagrams, graphs, images, models, interactive displays as well as discussions or oral presentations. Provide lots of opportunities for kids to talk about what they are learning and present their findings in different ways!
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE SCIENCE PRACTICES PRINTABLE
SCIENCE VOCABULARY
It is never too early to introduce some fantastic science words to kids. Get them started with a printable science vocabulary word list. You’re definitely going to want to incorporate these simple science terms into your next science lesson!
WHAT IS A SCIENTIST
Think like a scientist! Act like a scientist! Scientists, like you and me, are also curious about the world around them. Learn about the different types of scientists and what they do to increase their understanding of their specific area of interest. Read What Is A Scientist
SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS
Sometimes, the best way to introduce science concepts is through a colorfully illustrated book with characters your kids can relate to! Check out this fantastic list of science books that are teacher-approved, and get ready to spark curiosity and exploration!
Check out our recommended book lists:
Printable Science Projects For Kids
If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!
- 90+ classic science activities with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information. NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
- Best science practices posters and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
- Be a Collector activities pack introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
- Know the Words Science vocabulary pack includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
- My science journal writing prompts explore what it means to be a scientist!!
- Bonus STEAM Project Pack: Art meets science with doable projects!
- Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics
