PH.1 - The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by:

• A - asking questions and defining problems

  • ask questions that arise from careful observation of phenomena, examination of a model or theory, unexpected results, and/or to seek additional information

  • determine which questions can be investigated within the scope of the school laboratory

  • make hypotheses that specify what happens to a dependent variable when an independent variable is manipulated

  • generate hypotheses based on research and scientific principles

  • define design problems that involves the development of a process or system with interacting components and criteria and constraints

• B - planning and carrying out investigations

  • individually and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations

  • plan and conduct investigations or test design solutions in a safe manner

  • select and use appropriate tools and technology to collect, record, analyze, and evaluate data

• C - interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

  • record and present data in an organized format that communicates relationships and quantities in appropriate mathematical or algebraic forms

  • use data in building and revising models, supporting an explanation for phenomena, or testing solutions to problems

  • analyze data using tools, technologies, and/or models (e.g., computational, mathematical, statistical) in order to make valid and reliable scientific claims or determine an optimal design solution

  • analyze data graphically and use graphs to make predictions

  • consider limitations of data analysis when analyzing and interpreting data

  • evaluate the effects of new data on a working explanation and/or model of a proposed process or system

  • analyze data to optimize a design

• D - constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

  • make quantitative and/or qualitative claims based on data

  • construct and revise explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from a variety of sources

  • apply scientific ideas, principles, and/or evidence to provide an explanation of phenomena or design solutions

  • compare and evaluate competing arguments in light of currently accepted explanations and new scientific evidence

  • construct arguments or counterarguments based on data and evidence

  • differentiate between scientific hypothesis, theory, and law

• E - developing and using models

  • evaluate the merits and limitations of models

  • identify and communicate components of a system orally, graphically, textually, and mathematically

  • develop and/or use models (including mathematical and computational) and simulations to visualize, explain, and predict phenomena and to interpret data sets

• F - obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

  • compare, integrate, and evaluate sources of information presented in different media or formats to address a scientific question or solve a problem

  • gather, read, and evaluate scientific and/or technical information from multiple authoritative sources, assessing the evidence and credibility of each source

  • communicate scientific and/or technical information about phenomena and/or a design process in multiple formats

PS.1 - The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by:

• A - asking questions and defining problems

  • ask questions that require empirical evidence to answer

  • develop hypotheses indicating relationships between independent and dependent variables

  • offer simple solutions to design problems

• B - planning and carrying out investigations

  • independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, constants, and controls where appropriate and include the safe use of chemicals and equipment

  • evaluate the accuracy of various methods for collecting data

  • take metric measurements using appropriate tools and technologies

  • apply scientific ideas or principles to design, construct, and/or test a design of an object, tool, process or system

• C - interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

  • construct and interpret data tables showing independent and dependent variables, repeated trials, and means

  • construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data and consider limitations of data analysis

  • apply mathematical concepts and processes to scientific questions

  • use data to evaluate and refine design solutions to best meet criteria

• D - constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

  • construct scientific explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from sources (including the students’ own investigations)

  • construct arguments supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning

  • generate and compare multiple solutions to problems based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints

  • differentiate between a scientific hypothesis, theory, and law

• E - developing and using models

  • construct, develop, and use models and simulations to illustrate and/or explain observable and unobservable phenomena

  • evaluate limitations of models

• F - obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

  • read scientific texts, including those adapted for classroom use, to determine the central idea and/or obtain scientific and/or technical information

  • gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and possible bias of each publication

  • construct, use, and/or present an oral and written argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning

PS.8 - The student will investigate and understand that work, force, and motion are related. Key ideas include:

• A - motion can be described using position and time; and

• B - motion is described by Newton’s laws.