NGSS Ideas

How does Creativity Work for Scientists and Engineers?

Scientists help us understand the physical world. Engineers give us solutions to real-world problems. In the last decade, we have been integrating these disciplines into K-12 educational systems because of the important role they play in society. By giving kids who are interested in science and engineering fields more opportunities to participate in related activities early on, we make it more likely that they will be able to succeed in those fields of study.

Both of these fields depend on versions of the creative process to develop theories and solve problems. The creative process is difficult to measure, but there are ways, and the book  A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas defines them in a manner that makes it easier to develop standards that can be used in schools.

Here is a summary of guidelines for the practices:

1. Asking Questions and Defining Problems

Science:

Questions are about physical phenomena like “what color is water?”

Engineering:

Starts by defining a problem such as finding a way to make batteries quickly recharge
2. Developing and Using Models

Science:

Models and simulations are created to develop theories about natural phenomena

Engineering:

Models and simulations are developed to create possible solutions
3. Planning and carrying out Investigations

Science:

Observations are made in the field or laboratory to determine what data to collect

Engineering:

Observations are made to determine design criteria
4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Science:

Produce data to help develop a theory

Engineering:

Produce data to test a design
5.Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Science:

Math is used to represent physical phenomena

Engineering:

Math is used as a tool to test designs
6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Science:

Develop a theory that explains the phenomenon they wanted to understand

Engineering:

A possible solution to the problem is developed based on the design criteria and the results of the research
7.Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Science:

To validate a theory, it is important to develop an argument to support it and talk to other people to see if they can refute the argument

Engineering:

To make sure the solution is the best one available, it is important to talk with others about your design process and choice of solutions
8.Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
In both science and engineering, the continued advancement of ideas and technology depends on making concepts or designs public so others can build on the knowledge. To make ideas useful, scientists and engineers must be able to communicate their ideas to others.