Science Practice: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Constructing explanations and designing solutions in 9–12 builds on K–8 experiences and progresses to explanations and designs that are supported by multiple and independent student-generated sources of evidence consistent with scientific ideas, principles, and theories.

Summary

Constructing explanations and designing solutions in 9–12 builds on K–8 experiences and progresses to explanations and designs that are supported by multiple and independent student-generated sources of evidence consistent with scientific ideas, principles, and theories. Construct and revise an explanation based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from a variety of sources (including students’ own investigations, models, theories, simulations, peer review) and the assumption that theories and laws that describe the natural world operate today as they did in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

Links

NextGenerationScience.org
green sphere on black background with text: AACT Science Coaches
Science Coaches and Classroom Mentors
// Sunday, August 2, 2020 • Melissa Hemling
“I just wanted to reach out and update you on my life,” the email began. As a high school teacher, I love receiving emails starting with a line like this. It is exciting to learn where my former students are in their life’s journey. Last month I opened an email starting with this line. My mind raced with the possibilities.
laptops back to back with text: Pivot Interactives vs. ADI Online
Filling the Void: Options for Authentic Investigations Online
// Wednesday, July 29, 2020 • Ben Meacham
During distance learning last spring, one pill that was hard to swallow was the diminished role of lab investigations. As engaging as I tried to make the content, I could not help but notice the giant void in providing opportunities to participate in the process of science.
Bubble Busting Water Chemistry
Solution to Chemical Mystery #17: Bubble Buster!
// Wednesday, April 29, 2020 • Tom Kuntzleman
In Chemical Mystery #17, shavings of Dial soap are added to samples of Aquafina and Evian drinking water. Upon blowing into each mixture with a straw, only the Aquafina water produced stable bubbles. Why is this the case?
text: Bubble Bursting Water Chemistry
Chemical Mystery #17: Bubble Buster!
// Friday, April 24, 2020 • Tom Kuntzleman
With most of us stuck at home to combat the recent outbreak of COVID-19, I thought it might be a particularly good time to do some simple chemistry experiments that use only items found around the home (well, more like purchased at my local grocery store).
3 wells with solutions (red, olive green, light green) text: Colorful Copper Equilibrium
A Multi-Colored Equilibrium Experiment
// Thursday, March 5, 2020 • Tom Kuntzleman
I’d like to describe a very colorful system you can use to explore many facets of chemical equilibrium.
chemical tests on coins
Chemical Tests on Coins
// Monday, September 16, 2019 • Tom Kuntzleman
I recently shared some simple experiments using magnets and coins that connect to the 2019 National Chemistry Week (NCW) theme, “Marvelous Metals!”1 Because coins are familiar items, made of metal, and so very easy to obtain, I think doing experiments with coins is a great idea for NCW 2019!
glassware on pink background, text: Advanced High School Course: Lab Design
Advanced Chemical Lab Design
// Monday, September 16, 2019 • E Posthuma
Last spring I went to my administration with a proposal. I wanted to design an advanced laboratory course for a few students who had already taken AP Chemistry and wanted additional laboratory experience. With approval from the school administration and the Board, I began planning.
First Day Chemistry Engineering Activity
// Saturday, September 7, 2019 • Melissa Hemling
I just finished my first week of school, like many teachers in the Midwest. I work hard to get my Honors Chemistry students in a lab setting as soon as possible. It is difficult to find a perfect lab to do on the first or second day of school.
inflated football & deflated football on green background
Gas Laws and Deflategate
// Thursday, August 15, 2019 • Ben Meacham
In a previous post on exploring new ways to incorporate authentic assessments, I referenced how a wonderful activity centered around the application of gas laws could help investigate the Deflategate controversy that consumed NFL news throughout the 2014-15 sea