Investigations:
Like scientists, engineers must identify relevant variables, decide how they will be measured, and collect data for analysis. Their investigations help them identify how effective, efficient, and durable their designs may be under various conditions.

Some investigations involve simple observations as scientists try to understand a process or behavior. This type of investigation is called a descriptive investigation.

A comparative investigation involves comparing a process or behavior in two different settings. A correlative investigation attempts to determine how related two variables are.

Another kind of investigation is called an experimental investigation. An experimental investigation involves a test with identified variables. Some variables stay the same throughout the experiment, the scientist manipulates one variable, and another variable responds to the manipulated variable. Scientists observe the relationship between the variables during the experiment. This kind of experiment can also be called a controlled experiment.

Models:
Both scientists and engineers use models. Physical models show how things look or work in the real world. Conceptual models represent relationships and describe how things work or fit together. Mathematical models use mathematical equations, theories, formulas, and proofs. Simulations allow for the control of variables and mimic real-world processes. Examples of models include sketches, diagrams, mathematical relationships, simulations, physical models, and prototypes, and they are used to make predictions about the behavior of a system.