West Contra Costa

Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs)

• NGSS Appendix F:  Science and Engineering Practices (nextgenscience.org) 
• A Framework for K-12 Science: Chapter 3, Dimension 1: Scientific and Engineering Practices (National Research Council)
• Common Core & NGSS Practices Comparison (NSTA)
• Practices in Science vs. in Engineering
• K-12 Matrix of SEP Progression (NSTA)

SEP #1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems

• Progression
• Instructional Strategies
• Sample Assessment Task Formats
• Sample Lesson:  Patient Stories: Problems with Body Systems

SEP #2: Developing and Using Models

• Progression
• Instructional Strategies
• Sample Assessment Task Formats
• Sample Lesson:  How Stable is Your Food Web?

SEP #3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

• Progression
• Instructional Strategies
• Sample Assessment Task Formats
• Sample Lesson:  Composting: A Scientific Investigation

SEP #4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data

• Progression
• Instructional Strategies
• Sample Assessment Task Formats
• Sample Lesson:  Biomagnification in Ocean Food Webs: Plastic Pollution

SEP #5: Using Mathematics & Computational Thinking

• Progression
• Instructional Strategies
• Sample Assessment Task Formats
  
• Sample Lesson:  How Much Water is There in the World?

SEP #6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

• Progression
• Instructional Strategies
• Sample Assessment Task Formats
• Sample Lesson:  Introduction to Photosynthesis

SEP #7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence

• Progression
• Instructional Strategies
• Sample Assessment Task Formats
• Sample Lesson:  Structure, Function, and Information Processing

SEP #8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

• Progression
• Instructional Strategies
• Sample Assessment Task Formats
• Sample Lesson:  Why Don't Antibiotics Work Like They Used To?