Exploring the Science Framework

The National Research Council's recent publication "A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas" (NRC 2011), which is the foundation for the Next Generation Science Standards now being developed, places unprecedented focus on the practices involved in doing scientific and engineering work. In an effort to lend specificity to the broad notion of "inquiry," the intent behind the practices outlined in the "Framework" is for students to engage in sensible versions of the actual cognitive, social, and material work that scientists do. This article focuses on one of those practices: obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. The authors hope this article can open up a discussion with science educators in all areas of the system--from K-12 schools to informal science institutions and afterschool learning environments--about the varied ways to provide opportunities for young people to obtain, evaluate, and communicate information in science and engineering. (Contains 4 figures.)