Science and Engineering Practices

The Iowa Core science standards were developed to help students gain conceptual knowledge of science while engaging in science and engineering practices. Our homes and everyday lives are filled with opportunities to develop and carry out these practices.

Asking Questions - “What do I wonder?”

• As you go about your daily activities and during play, encourage your child to ask questions.
• Encourage finding answers to questions through research and experimentation. 

Developing and Using Models - “What do I think?” 

• Keep track of weather data at your home and compare with local news weather data. Make predictions based on patterns and relationships. 
• Build/craft or draw multiple components of the place you live. Describe the relationships among the components. 

Planning and Carrying out Investigations - “How can I test it?” 

• Have your child collect items found in nature such as rocks, leaves, insects, plants, or seeds. Collect and record data about the objects such as size, shape and color. Encourage your child to develop questions about those items and help him/her find answers to those questions through investigations, by reading nonfiction texts, or by asking appropriate experts. 

Analyzing and Interpreting Data - “What did I observe?” 

• Collect data and monitor use of energy and water at home. Compare different months and develop reasons for differences from month to month. 
• Keep track of the number and type of animals you see in your neighborhood. Make a graph of the data. Develop a conclusion based on your data. 

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking - “How can I model it?” 

• Provide supervised opportunities in the kitchen to measure, observe and talk about changes in matter related to cooking. Ask how temperature changes affect food. 
• Figure out how to double or cut in half a recipe. 

Constructing Explanations - “How does it work?” 

• Do arts and craft projects to create something new from smaller pieces. Talk about why certain materials might be better for specific projects and why. 
• Build or draw a contraption “AKA Rube Goldberg.” Explain the goal and purpose of each component. 

Engaging in Argument from Evidence - “How do I know?” 

• Encourage your child to come up with examples of how humans have used technology to communicate through light and sound (i.e. traffic signals, cellular phones). What items are most important to humans? Research or provide evidence for your claim(s). 
• Read the ingredient lists from multiple packaged food items. Make a claim about which foods are healthier for you. 

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information - “What did I learn?” 

• Playing of “maker” games and apps such as Minecraft to develop engineering and collaboration skills. Explain strategies to another family member. 
• Have an in-home science fair. Use posters, models, drawings to explain how something works such as household cleaners, appliances, toys, lamps, flashlights or just about anything in your home. Create a presentation to share your findings. 

Resources:
www.thewonderofscience.com 
Science K-12 parent guide