Explanations and Solutions

Construction explanations and designing solutions is set forth to make students thinking visible.  If a teacher can see the students thought processes through their explanations and solutions then teachers know where their students are currently.

GOALS

By grade 12, students should be able to

•Construct their own explanations of phenomena using their knowledge of accepted scientific theory and linking it to models and evidence.

•Use primary or secondary scientific evidence and models to support or refute an explanatory account of a phenomenon.

•Offer causal explanations appropriate to their level of scientific knowledge.

•Identify gaps or weaknesses in explanatory accounts (their own or those of others).

In their experience of engineering, students should have the opportunity to

•Solve design problems by appropriately applying their scientific knowledge.

•Undertake design projects, engaging in all steps of the design cycle and producing a plan that meets specific design criteria.

•Construct a device or implement a design solution.

•Evaluate and critique competing design solutions based on jointly developed and agreed-on design criteria.

https://www.nap.edu/read/13165/chapter/7#52