Grades 3, 4, 5

Appendix F: Science and Engineering Practices

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

Developing and Using Models

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Ask questions about what would happen if a variable is changed.

Identify scientific (testable) and non-scientific (non-testable) questions.

Ask questions that can be investigated and predict reasonable outcomes based on patterns such as cause and effect relationships.

Use prior knowledge to describe problems that can be solved.

Define a simple design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process, or system and includes several criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

Identify limitations of models.

Collaboratively develop and/or revise a model based on evidence that shows the relationships among variables for frequent and regular occurring events.

Develop a model using an analogy, example, or abstract representation to describe a scientific principle or design solution.

Develop and/or use models to describe and/or predict phenomena.

Develop a diagram or simple physical prototype to convey a proposed object, tool, or process.

Use a model to test cause and effect relationships or interactions concerning the functioning of a natural or designed system.

Plan and conduct an investigation collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence, using fair tests in which variables are controlled and the number of trials considered.

Evaluate appropriate methods and/or tools for collecting data.

Make observations and/or measurements to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence for an explanation of a phenomenon or test a design solution.

Make predictions about what would happen if a variable changes.

Test two different models of the same proposed object, tool, or process to determine which better meets criteria for success.

Represent data in tables and/or various graphical displays (bar graphs, pictographs and/or pie charts) to reveal patterns that indicate relationships.

Analyze and interpret data to make sense of phenomena, using logical reasoning, mathematics, and/or computation.

Compare and contrast data collected by different groups in order to discuss similarities and differences in their findings.

Analyze data to refine a problem statement or the design of a proposed object, tool, or process.

Use data to evaluate and refine design solutions.

Decide if qualitative or quantitative data are best to determine whether a proposed object or tool meets criteria for success.

Organize simple data sets to reveal patterns that suggest relationships.

Describe, measure, estimate, and/or graph quantities (e.g., area, volume, weight, time) to address scientific and engineering questions and problems.

Create and/or use graphs and/or charts generated from simple algorithms to compare alternative solutions to an engineering problem.

Construct an explanation of observed relationships (e.g., the distribution of plants in the back yard).

Use evidence (e.g., measurements, observations, patterns) to construct or support an explanation or design a solution to a problem.

Identify the evidence that supports particular points in an explanation.

Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.

Generate and compare multiple solutions to a problem based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the design solution.

Compare and refine arguments based on an evaluation of the evidence presented.

Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in an explanation.

Respectfully provide and receive critiques from peers about a proposed procedure, explanation, or model by citing relevant evidence and posing specific questions.

Construct and/or support an argument with evidence, data, and/or a model.

Use data to evaluate claims about cause and effect.

Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem by citing relevant evidence about how it meets the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Read and comprehend grade-appropriate complex texts and/or other reliable media to summarize and obtain scientific and technical ideas and describe how they are supported by evidence.

Compare and/or combine across complex texts and/or other reliable media to support the engagement in other scientific and/or engineering practices.

Combine information in written text with that contained in corresponding tables, diagrams, and/or charts to support the engagement in other scientific and/or engineering practices.

Obtain and combine information from books and/or other reliable media to explain phenomena or solutions to a design problem.

Communicate scientific and/or technical information orally and/or in written formats, including various forms of media as well as tables, diagrams, and charts.