The Next Generation Science Standards (http://www.nextgenscience.org/next-generation-science-standards) identifies eight practices of science and engineering as essential for all students to learn. These are:

1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
2. Developing and using models
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

One of the best ways to implement all of these practices is through the growing practice of Project Based Learning (PBL), defined by Edutopia as "a dynamic classroom approach in which students actively explore real-world problems and challenges and acquire a deeper knowledge" (http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning). The duration of these projects can be as short as a single class period or last throughout an entire school year, but typically last from 1-3 weeks.

This past summer, Grade 6 – 9 science teachers, math teachers, and administrators from Warsaw (IN) Community Schools partnered with science and math educators from Ball State University during a two week summer institute to design classroom projects, strengthen science and math content knowledge, and refine inquiry practices. The Arbor Scientific "Pull-Back Car" was featured in a "mini" PBL activity to illustrate how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can be integrated into an authentic data collection and analysis activity.

Participants were divided into 12 groups and each group of 4-5 participants was given a pull-back car. Each participant played the role of a quality control engineer, whose job description may include taking "part in the design and evaluation of the product" and being "responsible for making sure that the materials meet the requisite standards and that the equipment works correctly" (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-quality-control-engineer.htm). Each group served as a team of quality control engineers who were instructed to design and conduct tests on these cars to determine if Arbor Scientific should continue selling them.

Dr. Joel Bryan

Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana

Dr. Bryan teaches at Ball State for the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He taught all levels of high school physics (Pre-AP, AP, conceptual) and a variety of mathematics courses for 13 years before receiving his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction at Texas A&M University.