top of page
  • 2. Plant growth
    3. Animal habitats
  • 4. Properties of Materials
    5. Sound Exploration
  • 1. Weather Observations
Lesson Resources:

Collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It's a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.

Last Updated:

August 7, 2024 at 2:49:50 PM

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) emphasize a three-dimensional approach to K-12 science education, comprising Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. The first dimension, Science and Engineering Practices, includes a crucial component: Practice 1.1, which focuses on "Asking Questions (for Science) and Defining Problems (for Engineering)." Asking Questions in Science Asking questions is a fundamental practice in science, driving the exploration and understanding of natural phenomena. 

This practice involves: 

  • Curiosity and Inquiry: Encouraging students to develop a sense of curiosity about the natural world and ask questions that can lead to scientific investigation. 

  • Formulating Questions: Guiding students to ask relevant, testable questions that can be investigated through empirical evidence and reasoning.  

  • Purpose of Questions: Helping students understand that scientific questions aim to explain natural events and phenomena, seek patterns, and address uncertainty. 


Defining Problems in Engineering In engineering, defining problems is the starting point for designing solutions to human needs and challenges. 


This practice involves: 

  • Identifying Needs: Teaching students to identify and articulate problems or needs that require a solution.  

  • Criteria and Constraints: Guiding students to consider criteria (requirements) and constraints (limitations) for successful solutions. 

  • Problem-Solving Process: Encouraging a systematic approach to breaking down complex problems into manageable parts, fostering innovative thinking and practical solutions.

Integration in Education The NGSS framework integrates these practices into the curriculum to develop students' abilities to think critically, solve problems, and understand the nature of science and engineering. 

By engaging in asking questions and defining problems, students learn to: 

  • Develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and principles.  

  • Apply their knowledge to real-world contexts. 

  • Enhance their skills in critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. The focus on asking questions and defining problems prepares students to be proficient in scientific inquiry and engineering design, essential for their future roles as informed citizens and innovators. 


The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) introduce a revolutionary three-dimensional approach to K-12 science education, with a key focus on developing students' skills in asking scientific questions and defining engineering problems. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) have revolutionized K-12 science education by introducing a three-dimensional approach that emphasizes hands-on learning and critical thinking. At the heart of this framework lies the Science and Engineering Practices dimension, with a particular focus on "Asking Questions and Defining Problems." 


This fundamental practice forms the foundation for scientific inquiry and engineering design, encouraging students to develop curiosity, formulate testable questions, and identify real-world challenges. By integrating these skills into the curriculum, educators aim to cultivate a generation of students who are not only knowledgeable in scientific concepts but also adept at applying their understanding to solve complex problems in an ever-evolving world.

As parents, we all want to see our children thrive in their education, especially when it comes to science. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) have introduced an exciting approach called 3-Dimensional Learning, and today we're going to explore the first dimension: Science and Engineering Practices. Let's focus on one key practice: Asking Questions (for Science) and Defining Problems (for Engineering). This skill is crucial for your child's scientific development and problem-solving abilities. 


Encouraging your kids to ask questions about the world around them is a fantastic way to nurture their curiosity and critical thinking skills. For science, this might look like your child wondering, "Why does the sky change colors at sunset?" or "How do plants grow without soil?" These questions are the building blocks of scientific inquiry. On the engineering side, your child might identify a problem, such as "How can we keep our ice cream from melting so quickly on a hot day?" 


This is the first step in the engineering design process. As parents, we can support this practice by: 

1. Encouraging open-ended questions during everyday activities 

2. Helping our children refine their questions to make them more specific and testable 

3. Providing opportunities for hands-on exploration and experimentation Remember, there's no such thing as a "silly" question when it comes to science. Every inquiry is a chance for your child to learn and grow. 


By fostering this skill, you're helping your child develop a scientific mindset that will serve them well throughout their education and beyond. By fostering the skills of asking questions and defining problems, educators lay the foundation for students to become critical thinkers, innovators, and scientifically literate citizens in an increasingly complex world. In conclusion, the NGSS's three-dimensional approach to science education emphasizes the critical practice of asking questions in science and defining problems in engineering. 


This foundational skill encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities in students. By integrating these practices into the curriculum, educators foster a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and their real-world applications. The focus on formulating relevant questions and identifying needs prepares students for future roles as informed citizens and innovators. Ultimately, this approach aims to develop scientifically literate individuals capable of addressing complex challenges in an ever-evolving world, highlighting the importance of inquiry-based learning in modern science education.

Integration in Education The NGSS framework integrates these practices into the curriculum to develop students' abilities to think critically, solve problems, and understand the nature of science and engineering. 

By engaging in asking questions and defining problems, students learn to: 

  • Develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and principles.  

  • Apply their knowledge to real-world contexts. 

  • Enhance their skills in critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. The focus on asking questions and defining problems prepares students to be proficient in scientific inquiry and engineering design, essential for their future roles as informed citizens and innovators. 


The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) introduce a revolutionary three-dimensional approach to K-12 science education, with a key focus on developing students' skills in asking scientific questions and defining engineering problems. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) have revolutionized K-12 science education by introducing a three-dimensional approach that emphasizes hands-on learning and critical thinking. At the heart of this framework lies the Science and Engineering Practices dimension, with a particular focus on "Asking Questions and Defining Problems." 


This fundamental practice forms the foundation for scientific inquiry and engineering design, encouraging students to develop curiosity, formulate testable questions, and identify real-world challenges. By integrating these skills into the curriculum, educators aim to cultivate a generation of students who are not only knowledgeable in scientific concepts but also adept at applying their understanding to solve complex problems in an ever-evolving world.

Asking Questions & Defining Problems

Empower Your Child's Scientific Curiosity
Related Keywords
  • Asking Questions & Defining Problems References & Resources

    1. National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)

    Resource: "Parents Guide to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)"

    Description: This guide provides an overview of the NGSS, including explanations of the Science and Engineering Practices and how parents can support their children in asking questions and defining problems.

    www.nsta.org/parents-and-families


    2. NGSS Parent Q&A

    Resource: "NGSS for Parents: What You Need to Know"

    Description: This FAQ-style resource helps parents understand the basics of the NGSS, including specific sections on how students learn to ask questions and define problems.

    https://ngss.nsta.org/About.aspx


    3. GreatSchools.org

    Resource: "A Parents Guide to the Next Generation Science Standards"

    Description: This guide explains how the NGSS changes science education and includes tips for parents to encourage their children to ask questions and think like engineers.

    https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/next-generation-science-standards/


    4. Achieve.org

    Resource: "Understanding the NGSS: Parents Guides"

    Description: Achieve provides detailed guides for parents on what to expect at each grade level, including examples of how students are encouraged to ask questions and define problems.

    https://www.nextgenscience.org/parentguides


    5. National Academies Press

    Resource: "A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas"

    Description: This book lays the foundation for the NGSS, explaining the importance of scientific practices like asking questions and defining problems. It's an excellent resource for parents wanting an in-depth understanding.

    https://doi.org/10.17226/13165


    6. Science Buddies

    Resource: "Science and Engineering Practices in the NGSS: Asking Questions and Defining Problems"

    Description: Science Buddies offers an accessible explanation of this practice, including how parents can support their children in developing these skills at home.

    https://www.sciencebuddies.org/teacher-resources/ngss/science-engineering-practices


    7. Khan Academy

    Resource: "NGSS: Science & Engineering Practices"

    Description: Khan Academy provides educational videos and resources that help parents and students understand the NGSS practices, including asking questions and defining problems.

    https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/ngss


    These resources offer valuable insights and practical tips for parents to support their children's learning and engagement with science and engineering practices as outlined in the NGSS.

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) emphasize a three-dimensional approach to K-12 science education, comprising Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. The first dimension, Science and Engineering Practices, includes a crucial component: Practice 1.1, which focuses on "Asking Questions (for Science) and Defining Problems (for Engineering)." Asking Questions in Science Asking questions is a fundamental practice in science, driving the exploration and understanding of natural phenomena. 


This practice involves: 

  • Curiosity and Inquiry: Encouraging students to develop a sense of curiosity about the natural world and ask questions that can lead to scientific investigation. 

  • Formulating Questions: Guiding students to ask relevant, testable questions that can be investigated through empirical evidence and reasoning.  

  • Purpose of Questions: Helping students understand that scientific questions aim to explain natural events and phenomena, seek patterns, and address uncertainty. 


Defining Problems in Engineering In engineering, defining problems is the starting point for designing solutions to human needs and challenges. 


This practice involves: 

  • Identifying Needs: Teaching students to identify and articulate problems or needs that require a solution.  

  • Criteria and Constraints: Guiding students to consider criteria (requirements) and constraints (limitations) for successful solutions. 

  • Problem-Solving Process: Encouraging a systematic approach to breaking down complex problems into manageable parts, fostering innovative thinking and practical solutions.


As parents, we all want to see our children thrive in their education, especially when it comes to science. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) have introduced an exciting approach called 3-Dimensional Learning, and today we're going to explore the first dimension: Science and Engineering Practices. Let's focus on one key practice: Asking Questions (for Science) and Defining Problems (for Engineering). This skill is crucial for your child's scientific development and problem-solving abilities. 


Encouraging your kids to ask questions about the world around them is a fantastic way to nurture their curiosity and critical thinking skills. For science, this might look like your child wondering, "Why does the sky change colors at sunset?" or "How do plants grow without soil?" These questions are the building blocks of scientific inquiry. On the engineering side, your child might identify a problem, such as "How can we keep our ice cream from melting so quickly on a hot day?" 


This is the first step in the engineering design process. As parents, we can support this practice by: 

1. Encouraging open-ended questions during everyday activities 

2. Helping our children refine their questions to make them more specific and testable 

3. Providing opportunities for hands-on exploration and experimentation Remember, there's no such thing as a "silly" question when it comes to science. Every inquiry is a chance for your child to learn and grow. 


By fostering this skill, you're helping your child develop a scientific mindset that will serve them well throughout their education and beyond. By fostering the skills of asking questions and defining problems, educators lay the foundation for students to become critical thinkers, innovators, and scientifically literate citizens in an increasingly complex world. In conclusion, the NGSS's three-dimensional approach to science education emphasizes the critical practice of asking questions in science and defining problems in engineering. 


This foundational skill encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities in students. By integrating these practices into the curriculum, educators foster a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and their real-world applications. The focus on formulating relevant questions and identifying needs prepares students for future roles as informed citizens and innovators. Ultimately, this approach aims to develop scientifically literate individuals capable of addressing complex challenges in an ever-evolving world, highlighting the importance of inquiry-based learning in modern science education.


Integration in Education The NGSS framework integrates these practices into the curriculum to develop students' abilities to think critically, solve problems, and understand the nature of science and engineering. 

By engaging in asking questions and defining problems, students learn to: 

  • Develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and principles.  

  • Apply their knowledge to real-world contexts. 

  • Enhance their skills in critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. The focus on asking questions and defining problems prepares students to be proficient in scientific inquiry and engineering design, essential for their future roles as informed citizens and innovators. 


The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) introduce a revolutionary three-dimensional approach to K-12 science education, with a key focus on developing students' skills in asking scientific questions and defining engineering problems. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) have revolutionized K-12 science education by introducing a three-dimensional approach that emphasizes hands-on learning and critical thinking. At the heart of this framework lies the Science and Engineering Practices dimension, with a particular focus on "Asking Questions and Defining Problems." 


This fundamental practice forms the foundation for scientific inquiry and engineering design, encouraging students to develop curiosity, formulate testable questions, and identify real-world challenges. By integrating these skills into the curriculum, educators aim to cultivate a generation of students who are not only knowledgeable in scientific concepts but also adept at applying their understanding to solve complex problems in an ever-evolving world.


  • Discover the Wonders of Weather with Your Child
  • NASA Climate Kids
    Weather Underground
    National Weather Service

Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.

Empower your child's scientific curiosity today!

Learn More

Explore Our Upcoming Projects

24Pcs/Set Montessori Toys for 3 Year Flash Cards

New Products

24Pcs/Set Montessori Toys for 3 Year Flash Cards

Empower your child's scientific curiosity today!

bottom of page