Next GEN Physical Science and Everyday Thinking

Science & Engineering Practices

Each of the eight SEPS in the NGSS has sub-themes that are developed across the grade-bands. For the most part, these are addressed implicitly in Next Gen PET activities/lessons by simply having students engage in them. (A few selected SEPs are addressed explicitly in Units M and SE, and they are indicated in the Target Ideas for those particular units.) The table below shows the SEP sub-themes that students are expected to engage in to a significant degree in both the studio- and lecture-style formats of the material (X) or only in the studio-style format (S). (A unit key is available below the table.)

Code Narrative Unit Addressed
Practice 1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems M SE EM PEF FM CF WS L PC CR
Practice 1.C Ask questions that challenge the premises of arguments, interpretations of data, or suitability of an engineering design. x x x x x
Practice 2: Developing and Using Models M SE EM PEF FM CF WS L PC CR
Practice 2.A Evaluate the merits and limitations of models in order to select one that best fits the available evidence. x x x x
Practice 2.B Based on evidence, develop and revise models that can be used to describe phenomena and make predictions. x x x x x x x x x x
Practice 2.C Use a model to make predictions, test ideas, and solve problems. x x x x x x x x x x
Practice 3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations M SE EM PEF FM CF WS L PC CR
Practice 3.C Conduct investigations and/or make observations to provide evidence that addresses scientific questions. x x x x x x x x x x
Practice 4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data M SE EM PEF FM CF WS L PC CR
Practice 4.A Record, analyze, and interpret data in varied formats to address scientific questions. x x x x x x x
Practice 4.B Analyze data using logical reasoning and/or mathematical tools to address scientific and engineering questions. x x x x x x x x
Practice 4.D Compare and contrast data from different sources to identify similarities and differences. x x x x x x x
Practice 4.E Use data analysis in the optimization of an engineering design. s x
Practice 5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking M SE EM PEF FM CF WS L PC CR
Practice 5.C Use mathematical representations to support claims and/or explanations. x x x x x x
Practice 5.D Use mathematical tools to address scientific and engineering questions and solve problems. x x x x x x x
Practice 6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions M SE EM PEF FM CF WS L PC CR
Practice 6.A Construct explanations based on evidence and models that predict and describe phenomena. s s s s s s s s
Practice 6.B Construct explanations using ideas that emerge from (class) consensus. s s s s s s s s s s
Practice 6.C Apply scientific reasoning to assess how data supports an explanation or conclusion. x x x x x x x
Practice 6.D Use scientific ideas to develop/refine/optimize an engineering design. x s x x x x
Practice 7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence M SE EM PEF FM CF WS L PC CR
Practice 7.A Use evidence to evaluate the claims and reasoning used in an argument. x x x x x
Practice 7.B Respectfully provide and/or receive critiques on scientific arguments based on reasoning and evidence. x x x x x x x x x x
Practice 7.C Use data and evidence to construct/support an argument or counter-argument. x x x x x x x x x x
Practice 7.D Make claims about engineering design solutions based on evidence and scientific principles. x s x s x x s
Practice 8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information M SE EM PEF FM CF WS L PC CR
Practice 8.D Communicate information in multiple formats (e.g. written, orally, diagrams ...) x x x x x x x x x x

Unit key : M : Developing a Model of Magnetism; SE : Developing a Model of Static Electricity; EM : Energy Model of Interactions; PEF : Potential Energy and Fields; FM : Force Model of Interactions; CF : Combinations of Forces; WS : Mechanical Waves and Sound; L : Light and Color; PC : Physical Changes; CR : Chemical Reactions.