Students apply and transfer STEM content knowledge and skills at a level indicative of postsecondary and workforce readiness.   How does something you learned in science class help you to understand the problem? Can you create a mathematical model to describe he situation?  Can you create CAD models or other graphics to describe your solution?  Can you use evidence to argue for your proposed solution to be implemented?

Students critically read, compare, integrate, and evaluate a variety of scientific and technical literature and resources.   Most projects will be looking for a better solution to ones currently available.  Students will need to fully understand the current solutions and identify what is lacking in each option.  Students should look at solutions to different yet similar problems for tools and materials you might be able to apply in a new way to your problem.

Students develop and use models or prototypes to represent and explain ideas.  They may also be used to generate data for testing of predictions and/or success criteria  The model or prototype is developed and revised based on evidence and is evaluated for reliability.  It could be a physical model you have made/assembled, a virtual model of the solution using CAD software, or a mathematical model to explain how the system works.

Students utilize background research to plan and conduct an investigation or test that will produce data to serve as the basis for evidence.  Students will generate a clear and organized report documenting their investigation(s).  The product of a scientific project is new knowledge.  The end result of a mathematical project could be demonstrating proof to support or refute a theory.  A technological project might create a new system for using existing technology to solve a specific problem.  An engineering project may design an original product or improvement to a current product to make is better suited to a specific problem.  In any case, the student will have to collect data they will use to evaluate what they have created.

Students use a variety of tools, including tabulation, graphical interpretation, visualization, and statistical analysis to analyze and derive meaning from data, identify sources of error and determine the degree of certainty in their results.   No one will invest in your solutions unless you can convince them it is definitely the correct answer.  You will need to show your data and calculations.  You will need to have you work checked by an expert. You will need to present you evidence clearly, even to non-technical audiences.  Being able to identify and quantify the amount of error in your work is far more convincing than claiming you have made no mistakes.

Students will use mathematics and computational thinking for a range of tasks such as constructing simulations, statistically analyzing data, and/or modeling quantitative relationships.  Students are able to use mathematics and computational thinking to make and test predictions as well as support claims and make design decisions.  Trial and Error is not the best method to finding a good solution.  It is much faster to use knowledge and experience to eliminate unlikely answers and focus on answers that are support by the data. 

Students are expected to construct their own evidence based explanations and apply scientific reasoning. Students may also design solutions to problems through a systematic process that involves defining the problem, prioritizing between competing criteria, then generating, testing, and improving solutions.

Students will engage in the process of argument based on evidence and reasoning that leads to explanations and/or design solutions accepted by the professional STEM community.  

Students learn to work together, harnessing the power of teamwork and learn the importance of influence in order to motivate others to get things accomplished. 

Students take initiative, are inquisitive, entrepreneurial, and curious.  They persevere through challenging situations, are able to take calculated risks, and stand accountable for their actions.  They continually advocate for their own needs as well as the needs of others.