Structure and Function
“As students develop their understanding of the relationships between structure and function, they should begin to apply this knowledge when investigating phenomena that are unfamiliar to them.”
Source: NRC Framework
Introduction to Structure and Function
Source: NGSS Appendix G
Structure and Function are complementary properties. “The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s). The functioning of natural and built systems alike depends on the shapes and relationships of certain key parts as well as on the properties of the materials from which they are made. A sense of scale is necessary in order to know what properties and what aspects of shape or material are relevant at a particular magnitude or in investigating particular phenomena—that is, the selection of an appropriate scale depends on the question being asked. For example, the substructures of molecules are not particularly important in understanding the phenomenon of pressure, but they are relevant to understanding why the ratio between temperature and pressure at constant volume is different for different substances.
“Similarly, understanding how a bicycle works is best addressed by examining the structures and their functions at the scale of, say, the frame, wheels, and pedals. However, building a lighter bicycle may require knowledge of the properties (such as rigidity and hardness) of the materials needed for specific parts of the bicycle. In that way, the builder can seek less dense materials with appropriate properties; this pursuit may lead in turn to an examination of the atomic-scale structure of candidate materials. As a result, new parts with the desired properties, possibly made of new materials, can be designed and fabricated”.
Critical Questions
Source: Peter A'Hearn/ CrossCut Symbols
How does the function depend on the structure?
How does the structure support the function?
Are there other structures that can serve the same function?
How does this relationship between structure and function compare to others that I have learned about?
Engineering- How can the structure be improved?
How does the structure limit the function?
How do other crosscutting concepts relate to this structure?
Based on what I've learned, what other symbol could be used to represent Structure and Function?
Questions connecting to Practices
Source: Peter A'Hearn/ CrossCut Symbols
Asking Questions- How does the function depend on the structure?
How does the structure support the function?
Defining Problems- How can we design a structure to perform this function? How can we improve the structure?
Models- How can we model how this structure works?
Investigations- What variables about this structure can we change to find out how the function is affected?
Data- What does the data tell us about how changes to this structure affect its function?
Using Math- How can we use math to measure and describe the function?
Computational Thinking- How can computers be used to study how the structure affects the function?
Explanations- How can I explain how the structure is related to the function?
Solutions- Does the structure serve the function? Did the change in structure improve the function?
Argument- What is the evidence for the structure supports the function?
Information- What is already known about the relationship between structure and function in this system? How can I best communicate about this relationship between structure and function?
Prompts for Structure and Function
This set of prompts is intended to help teachers elicit student understanding of crosscutting concepts in the context of investigating phenomena or solving problems. Source: STEM Teaching Tools
Learn more about Structure and Function
Bozeman Science Video - Concept 6 - Structure and Function
Wonder of Science Graphic Organizer:
Structure and Function - Google Draw or PDF
Structure and Environment - Google Draw or PDF
Webinar: Structure and Function