Science and Engineering Practices - Essay Example

Various practices are identified by the framework as will be described here below

1) question asking and problem definition: during scientific investigations, students should always be able to ask questions on underlying issues. In engineering cases, the questions should be to solve certain problems and aid in ideas. Questions should involve such steps as data collection, claims, and designs.

2) development and use of models: NRC Framework (2012, p 58) indicates various steps in modeling ranging from simple/physical to abstract. models represent scientific systems under scrutiny and assist in answering some queries or raising ideas to be developed. models can also aid in developing data that is important in making essential contributions as well as for communication purposes. When models are compared with expected objects iteratively, they assist in bringing insight into the idea under development.

3) investigations: in the K12 years, students must get the chance to plan investigations and eventually carry them out. these should range from teacher-prescribed to personal ones. investigations in fields of science are mainly to test theories or for descriptions whilst in engineering, they are used to check on systems. in taking investigations in either of the fields, it is advised that the students should have preset goals. More so, the students should ensure that they support whatever they are claiming by providing data as proof.

4) Data Analysis and interpretation: data makes logical sense when it can show relations that can lead to subsequent analysis of results. Therefore, raw data should be scientifically worked on in the desired way for it to be of help. This assists the scientist or the engineer to use the data as evidence. This practice is important to both scientists and engineers as both fields require evidence in practice. For an engineer, for example, properly analyzed data will lead to credible decisions in design.

5) Mathematics and computation: this is an essential area where mathematical models are used to represent abstract ideas. There are other mathematical applications, which are also automated using computers. students are expected to use mathematical models in science to showcase their prowess, as it is a very important key in the understanding of science. Tools found in the laboratories are computerized to aid in observations. Engineering students should be good in computational skills like sequencing, algorithms, etc.

6) Explanation and Design solutions: Science explains why phenomena occur, and students should be apt in this. They should be able to use classroom material to construct suitable and valid explanations for various circumstances.
According to the NRC Framework (2012, p52), "The goal of science is the construction of theories that provide explanatory accounts of the world. A theory becomes accepted when it has multiple lines of empirical evidence and greater explanatory power of phenomena than previous theories". On the other hand, engineering aims at solving problems. such problems are first defined, then solutions are developed, tested, and improved on.

7) Evidence-based argument: This involves agreeing on solutions about design. evidence-based arguments are essential to best explain natural phenomena. Engineers need to have good reasoning and problem-solving skills to perfect their trade. When science students get to engage in such argumentation, they learn the necessary traits and thus cope with the skills for the benefit of society. in this regard, these arguments can be taken to be processes that are evidence-based, socially acceptable, and lead to socially beneficial solutions.

8) Information communication and evaluation: NRC framework (2012. p 76), indicates that science and engineering students should be able to learn and use text that is specific to a certain domain. This is compared to a language lesson that involves reading and subsequent production of text genres that are vital for science and engineering. Reading, interpretation, and production of text are core in science as well as in engineering. This is mainly so as it helps and shows that the learner can communicate vividly and persuasively.

Avid students of these fields should have the knowledge to consume scientific and engineering reports or materials from diverse areas and be able to incorporate their ideas effectively, recognize errors if any, and be able to contextualize the effectively. the students should be able to make use of various sources of information to substantiate claims and design methodologies. they should also be able to use various application methods to present information such as tabulated formats, graphs, and other means. Read More