1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

Science & Engineering Practice

Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

Below is the progression of the Science and Engineering Practice of Asking Questions and Defining Problems, followed by Performance Expectations that make use of this Science and Engineering Practice.

1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

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.

NSTA

NGSS

Primary School (K-2)

Asking questions and defining problems in K–2 builds on prior experiences and progresses to simple descriptive questions

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.

Elemenatry School (3-5)

Asking questions and defining problems in grades 3–5 builds from grades K–2 experiences and progresses to specifying qualitative relationships.

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

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

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

Use prior knowledge to describe problems that can be solved.

Middle School (6-8)

Asking questions and defining problems in grades 6–8 builds from grades K–5 experiences and progresses to specifying relationships between variables and clarifying arguments and models.

Ask questions that require sufficient and appropriate empirical evidence to answer.

Ask questions that arise from careful observation of phenomena, models, or unexpected results, to clarify and/or seek additional information.

Ask questions to identify and/or clarify evidence and/or the premise(s) of an argument.

Ask questions to determine relationships between independent and dependent variables and relationships in models.

Ask questions to clarify and/or refine a model, an explanation, or an engineering problem.

Ask questions that can be investigated within the scope of the classroom, outdoor environment, museums, and other public facilities with available resources and, when appropriate, frame a hypothesis based on observations and scientific principles.

Define a design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process, or system and includes multiple criteria and constraints, including scientific knowledge that may limit possible solutions.

Ask questions that challenge the premise(s) of an argument or the interpretation of a data set.

High School (9-12)

Asking questions and defining problems in 9–12 builds on grades K–8 experiences and progresses to formulating, refining, and evaluating empirically testable questions and design problems using models and simulations.

Ask questions that arise from careful observation of phenomena, or unexpected results, to clarify and/or seek additional information.

Ask questions that arise from examining models or a theory, to clarify and/or seek additional information and relationships.

Ask questions to determine relationships, including quantitative relationships, between independent and dependent variables.

Ask questions to clarify and refine a model, an explanation, or an engineering problem.

Evaluate a question to determine if it is testable and relevant.

Ask questions that can be investigated within the scope of the school laboratory, research facilities, or field (e.g., outdoor environment) with available resources and, when appropriate, frame a hypothesis based on a model or theory.

Ask and/or evaluate questions that challenge the premise(s) of an argument, the interpretation of a data set, or the suitability of the design.

Define a design problem that involves the development of a process or system with interacting components and criteria and constraints that may include social, technical, and/or environmental considerations.

Analyze complex real-world problems by specifying criteria and constraints for successful solutions.

As curious beings, we often seek to expand our knowledge and understanding of the natural and designed world around us. One effective way to gather more information is through the art of questioning. By making observations and asking relevant questions, we can delve deeper into various subjects and uncover valuable insights. Here are a few examples of questions that can help us explore and learn more about our surroundings: 1. When examining a natural ecosystem: What is the role of each species in this ecosystem? How do they interact with one another? How does their presence contribute to the overall balance and sustainability of the ecosystem? 2. Observing a city skyline: What architectural styles are prevalent in this city? How have urban planners incorporated sustainability practices into building design? What impact does skyscraper construction have on the local environment? 3. When studying human behavior: What factors influence consumer decision-making processes? How do social norms shape individual behavior? Can certain patterns be identified when studying crowd dynamics at events or public spaces? 4. Analyzing historical artifacts: What do these artifacts tell us about past civilizations or cultures? How were they created, used, or preserved over time? Can we draw any conclusions about societal beliefs, technological advancements, or artistic expressions from these objects? 5. Investigating technological advancements: What problem does this technology aim to solve? How does it work on a fundamental level? Are there any potential ethical implications associated with its use? By asking insightful questions based on our observations, we can unlock a wealth of knowledge about both the natural and designed worlds, fostering continuous learning and discovery.

When conducting an investigation, it is crucial to ask relevant questions that can help uncover the truth or shed light on a particular issue. Here are some examples of questions that can be answered through a thorough investigation: 1. What are the underlying causes of a specific problem or incident? 2. Who was involved in the situation under investigation? 3. What actions were taken by those involved, and were they in compliance with established protocols or regulations? 4. Are there any witnesses who can provide valuable information regarding the incident? 5. Were there any warning signs or red flags that could have been addressed prior to the incident? 6. Were there any failures in communication that contributed to the situation? 7. Was proper documentation maintained throughout the process, and is it accurate and reliable? 8. Were all relevant policies and procedures followed during the incident? These are just a few examples, but each investigation will have its own unique set of questions based on the specific circumstances and objectives at hand. It is essential to tailor your inquiries to gather comprehensive information and ensure a thorough investigation process.

When it comes to asking questions and defining problems for an investigation, there are several approaches you can take. Here are some examples of questions that can be answered through investigation: 1. What is the cause of a specific problem or issue? 2. How does a particular process or system work? 3. What are the potential risks or benefits associated with a certain action? 4. What are the underlying factors contributing to a trend or pattern? 5. What are the different perspectives or opinions on a controversial topic? 6. How does a new technology or innovation impact an industry or market? 7. What are the possible solutions to a complex problem? 8. What are the potential consequences of implementing a specific policy or regulation? 9. How does consumer behavior change in response to different marketing strategies? 10. What are the best practices in a specific field or industry? By asking these types of questions, you can identify areas that require further investigation and gain a better understanding of the problem at hand.

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Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

By grade 12, students should be able to:

• Ask questions about the natural and human-built worlds—for example: Why are there seasons? What do bees do? Why did that structure collapse? How is electric power generated?

• Distinguish a scientific question (e.g., Why do helium balloons rise?) from a nonscientific question (Which of these colored balloons is the prettiest?).

• Formulate and refine questions that can be answered empirically in a science classroom and use them to design an inquiry or construct a pragmatic solution.

• Ask probing questions that seek to identify the premises of an argument, request further elaboration, refine a research question or engineering problem, or challenge the interpretation of a data set—for example: How do you know? What evidence supports that argument?

• Note features, patterns, or contradictions in observations and ask questions about them.

• For engineering, ask questions about the need or desire to be met in order to define constraints and specifications for a solution.

Asking questions is a fundamental part of problem-solving. By asking questions, we can gain a better understanding of the problem and what needs to be done to solve it. Additionally, asking questions can help us to identify the root cause of the problem.

Once we have a good understanding of the problem, we can start to define it. This is important because, without a clear definition, it can be difficult to find a solution. By taking the time to define the problem, we can better target our efforts and arrive at a more effective solution.When we encounter a problem, it is important to ask questions in order to better understand it. This will help us to identify the root cause of the problem and come up with a more effective solution. Additionally, asking questions can help us to gain a better understanding of what needs to be done to solve the problem.

The first step is to identify the problem. Once we have a clear understanding of the problem, we can begin to brainstorm potential solutions. After we have identified a potential solution, we can start to implement it. By taking the time to ask questions and understand the problem, we can arrive at a more effective solution.We can then assess the solution to ensure it is effective, safe, and feasible. Finally, we can monitor the progress of the solution to determine if it is meeting its desired goal. (NRC Framework, 2012, p. 56)

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This is a great place to add more information about the product such as sizing, material, care and cleaning instructions. This is also a great space to write what makes this product special.
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This is a great place to add more information about the product such as sizing, material, care and cleaning instructions. This is also a great space to write what makes this product special.
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This is a great place to add more information about the product such as sizing, material, care and cleaning instructions. This is also a great space to write what makes this product special.
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This is a great place to add more information about the product such as sizing, material, care and cleaning instructions. This is also a great space to write what makes this product special.
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This is a great place to add more information about the product such as sizing, material, care and cleaning instructions. This is also a great space to write what makes this product special.
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