Connection between the How Science Works Flowchart and

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices

The How Science Works flowchart summarizes how science really works, as a dynamic, iterative
endeavor. The table below shows how the Science and Engineering Practices of the Next Generation
Science Standards are represented in the How Science Works flowchart. When you design learning
opportunities for your classroom, think about how students will engage in these practices while learning
to work and think like scientists.

NGSS Science and Engineering How Science Works Flowchart

Practices

Asking Questions and Defi ning Exploration and Discovery: Making observations, Asking
Problems questions, Sharing data and ideas, Finding inspiration,
Exploring the literature

Planning and Carry ing Out Testing Ideas:

Investigations
Gathering Data: Hypotheses, Expected
Analyzing and Interp reting Data results/observations, Actual results/observations

Using Mathematics and Interpreting Data: Supportive, contradictory, surprising or

Computational Thinking inconclusive data may… support a hypothesis, oppose a
hypothesis, inspire revised/new hypothesis, inspire revised
Developing and Using Models assumptions

Constructing Explanatio ns and Benefits and Outcomes: Develop technology, Address

Designing Solutions societal issues, Build knowledge, Inform policy, Satisfy
curiosity, Solve everyday problems

Community Analysis and Feedback: Feedback and peer

review, Replication, Discussion with colleagues,
Publication, Theory building

Engaging in Argument fr om Exploration and Discovery: Making observations, Sharing

Evidence data and ideas, Finding inspiration, Exploring the literature

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Testing Ideas:

Communicating Info rmation Gathering Data: Hypotheses, Expected
results/observations, Actual results/observations

Interpreting Data: Supportive, contradictory, surprising or

inconclusive data may… support a hypothesis, oppose a

NATGEOED.ORG
hypothesis, inspire revised/new hypothesis, inspire revised
assumptions

Community Analysis and Feedback:

Feedback and peer review, Discussion with colleagues,
Publication, Theory building

NATGEOED.ORG