Dimension 1: Practices
Asking Questions and Defining Problems
A practice of science is to ask and refine questions that lead to descriptions and explanations of how the natural and designed world works and which can be empirically tested.
Science
The scientific process always starts with a question about a phenomenon. Scientists seek to provide answers to these questions through the development of theories. One essential aspect of science is asking empirically answerable questions and determining what is already known and unclear. To make progress in understanding the world around us, it's crucial to evaluate current knowledge gaps and work towards filling them with new discoveries.
Engineering
Engineering is rooted in identifying a problem, need or desire, which then leads to the creation of an engineering solution. A societal issue, like lessening our dependence on fossil fuels, may inspire various engineering solutions such as developing more efficient modes of transportation and reliable devices for power generation, such as enhanced solar cells. Engineers undergo a rigorous process that involves asking questions in order to properly define the problem at hand, establish criteria towards achieving success, and identify potential constraints.
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) recognize and emphasize the importance of three main dimensions for learning science. These dimensions are essential components in forming each standard—or performance expectation. When taken together, they allow students a chance to gain a more cohesive understanding of science concepts as they progress through their courses.
Three Dimensional Learning
It is important to understand how scientists work in order to make sense of the world around us. The scientific process is a methodical and logical approach to discovering how things in the universe work. It is the foundation upon which all scientific knowledge is built.
The scientific process begins with a question or problem that scientists want to solve. They then gather data and observations about the problem. This data is used to form a hypothesis, which is a proposed explanation for the problem. The hypothesis is then tested through experimentation. If the results of the experiment support the hypothesis, then it becomes a theory. If the results of the experiment do not support the hypothesis, then the hypothesis is rejected and a new hypothesis is formed. This process is repeated until a theory is supported by a large body of evidence.
The scientific process is not always linear. Scientists may go backand revise their understanding due to new evidence or data. The process generally starts with making an observation or asking a question, followed by formulating a hypothesis, conducting experiments and tests to collect data, analyzing the data, and then either accepting or rejecting the hypothesis. If the hypothesis is accepted, scientists create a conclusion. This conclusion is then put out for peer review or further discussion before it is accepted as scientific fact.
Kids Corner
Discover engaging NGSS-aligned lessons, activities, and resources designed to ignite curiosity and foster critical thinking in young minds. Explore hands-on experiments, interactive projects, and real-world applications that bring science and engineering practices to life for kids. Start inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers today!
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