Scientific and Engineering Practices in K-12 Classrooms: Understanding A Framework for K-12 Science Education

Abstract

In this article, the author presents the science and engineering practices from the recently released "A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas" (NRC 2011). The author recognizes the changes implied by the new framework, and that a new generation of science education standards will present new perspectives for the science education community. Although the NRC report is a framework and not standards, it is prudent for those in the science and technology education community to begin preparing for the new standards. This article focuses primarily on one aspect of the new NRC framework--science and engineering practices--because these practices are basic to science education and the change from inquiry to practices is central. The new emphasis on practices reinforces the need for school science programs to actively involve students through investigations and, in the 21st century, digitally based programs and activities. This innovation for the new standards will likely be one of the most significant challenges for the successful implementation of science education standards. (Contains 8 figures.)