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:
- Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
- Developing and using models
- Planning and carrying out investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Using mathematics and computational thinking
- Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- 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.