How to integrate the argumentation from evidence practice into engineering design projects

What is the Issue?

Authors:

BY KIMBERLY WEAVER & GINA TESORIERO | DECEMBER 2019

Things to Consider

• Argumentation is key to engineering design. The NRC Framework makes clear that all 8 SEPs are the work of both scientists and engineers. During engineering problem-solving, reasoning and argumentation are critical practices for developing the best possible solution. As engineers engage in design, they collaborate with their peers to understand the problem and to design the most promising solution through thoughtful analysis of multiple iterations.
• Science and engineering are interconnected, not separate domains of work. Through engagement in scientific testing and explanation of phenomena, students make claims and gather evidence. This process is complementary to, and synergistic with, engineering design.
• As with science, specific data gathered through observation and experimentation can be used to support claims throughout the engineering process. However, there are many kinds of engineering specific evidence that can support claims. For example:.
  • The problem context can support claims about the appropriateness of solutions, the desirability of solutions or features, and the creation of criteria and constraints.
  • Science phenomena and explanations support claims about design features, material selection, and appropriateness of criteria and testing conditions. Science ideas can also be used as evidence to explain testing results or propose improvements.
  • Criteria and constraints are some of the most important evidence students can use to support claims. All prototypes and testing results can be compared to criteria and constraints to support claims about appropriateness of the solution.
  • Engineering documentation (sketches, measurements, materials inventory, budget, photo- or video-documentation, etc.) and feedback students receive can be used to support claims about fidelity to the original design plan, evolution and improvement over time, compliance with constraints, and more.

Attending to Equity

Consider providing the following accommodations:

• Model argumentation at different stages of the process, while providing sentence stems and suggestions for the types of evidence available to support all learners as they formulate and refine their claims.
• Ensure there are protocols in place that offer all students an opportunity to voice their thoughts during group work.
• Allow students to express their understanding in a variety of ways (e.g., taking photographs of prototypes or tests to support claims or allowing students to verbally express their claims in the language or register that is most expressive for them).
• Create heterogeneous groups, which can highlight the benefits of having diverse perspectives on a team.

Recommended Actions You Can Take

• Use the Argumentation in Engineering chart to plan instruction throughout the design process. It includes sentence starters, highlights types of evidence, and provides example arguments.
• Choose engineering challenges that require students’ scientific understanding to support criteria, design choices, and arguments.
• As you plan, consider what scientific ideas, observations, and testing results students can gather in earlier lessons or units to use as evidence to support claims in later engineering design challenges.

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