Grades K, 1, 2

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 based on observations to find more information about the natural and/or designed world(s).

Ask and/or identify questions that can be answered by an investigation.

Define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

Distinguish between a model and the actual object, process, and/or events the model represents.

Compare models to identify common features and differences.

Develop and/or use a model to represent amounts, relationships, relative scales (bigger, smaller), and/or patterns in the natural and designed world(s).

Develop a simple model based on evidence to represent a proposed object or tool.

With guidance, plan and conduct an investigation in collaboration with peers (for K).

Plan and conduct an investigation collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence to answer a question.

Evaluate different ways of observing and/or measuring a phenomenon to determine which way can answer a question.

Make observations (firsthand or from media) and/or measurements to collect data that can be used to make comparisons.

Make observations (firsthand or from media) and/or measurements of a proposed object or tool or solution to determine if it solves a problem or meets a goal.

Make predictions based on prior experiences.

Record information (observations, thoughts, and ideas).

Use and share pictures, drawings, and/or writings of observations.

Use observations (firsthand or from media) to describe patterns and/or relationships in the natural and designed world(s) in order to answer scientific questions and solve problems.

Compare predictions (based on prior experiences) to what occurred (observable events).

Analyze data from tests of an object or tool to determine if it works as intended.

Decide when to use qualitative vs. quantitative data.

Use counting and numbers to identify and describe patterns in the natural and designed world(s).

Describe, measure, and/or compare quantitative attributes of different objects and display the data using simple graphs.

Use quantitative data to compare two alternative solutions to a problem.

Make observations (firsthand or from media) to construct an evidence-based account for natural phenomena.

Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.

Generate and/or compare multiple solutions to a problem.

Identify arguments that are supported by evidence.

Distinguish between explanations that account for all gathered evidence and those that do not.

Analyze why some evidence is relevant to a scientific question and some is not.

Distinguish between opinions and evidence in one's own explanations.

Listen actively to arguments to indicate agreement or disagreement based on evidence, and/or to retell the main points of the argument.

Construct an argument with evidence to support a claim.

Make a claim about the effectiveness of an object, tool, or solution that is supported by relevant evidence.

Read grade-appropriate texts and/or use media to obtain scientific and/or technical information to determine patterns in and/or evidence about the natural and designed world(s).

Describe how specific images (e.g., a diagram showing how a machine works) support a scientific or engineering idea.

Obtain information using various texts, text features (e.g., headings, tables of contents, glossaries, electronic menus, icons), and other media that will be useful in answering a scientific question and/or supporting a scientific claim.

Communicate information or design ideas and/or solutions with others in oral and/or written forms using models, drawings, writing, or numbers that provide detail about scientific ideas, practices, and/or design ideas.