Asking questions and defining problems in 6–8 builds on K–5 experiences and progresses to specifying relationships between variables, and clarifying arguments and models.
Ask questions
that arise from careful observation of phenomena, models, or unexpected results, to clarify and/or seek additional information.
to identify and/or clarify evidence and/or the premise(s) of an argument.
to determine relationships between independent and dependent variables and relationships in models.
to clarify and/or refine a model, an explanation, or an engineering problem.
Ask questions that require sufficient and appropriate empirical evidence to answer. Ask questions that can be investigated within the scope of the classroom, outdoor environment, and museums and other public facilities with available resources and, when appropriate, frame a hypothesis based on observations and scientific principles.
Ask questions that challenge the premise(s) of an argument or the interpretation of a data set.
Define a design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process or system and includes multiple criteria and constraints, including scientific knowledge that may limit possible solutions.