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Knowledge and Skills Statement

Scientific and engineering practices. The student develops evidence-based explanations and communicates findings, conclusions, and proposed solutions.

Explanations and solutions:
Engineering design is a systematic process for solving engineering problems. It starts with scientific knowledge and models of the material world. Each proposed solution balances competing criteria — desired functions, technological feasibility, cost, safety, esthetics, and compliance with legal requirements.

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.
 

factual information (such as observations, measurements, or statistics) used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation; often includes both useful and irrelevant or redundant information and must be processed to be meaningful

a qualitative description of how a specific phenomenon works which is generally accepted by the scientific community

a general scientific concept, supported by evidence, that aids in defining the nature of an object or in defining a process and is adapted as new evidence is discovered

well established and highly reliable explanations which is based on natural and physical phenomena and is capable of being tested by multiple independent researchers; may be subject to change as new areas of science and new technologies are developed; explain why phenomena occur

Research

McNeill, Katherine L., and Dean M. Martin. “Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning.” Science and Children 48, no. 8 (April/May 2011): 52–56. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43176206.

Summary: Elementary students in this article use claims, evidence, and reasoning to communicate their findings and support claims. This strategy can be introduced by asking students questions about everyday situations. Students will start by answering a question, providing data to support their answer, and then explaining how it supports their answer. This model can then be applied to any science concept to help students practice using evidence to communicate their findings.