Key concepts

• Real-World Phenomena
• Scientific Models
• Diverse Evidence
• Argument and Discussion
• Epistemic Scaffolds

Real-World Phenomena

PRACCIS investigations are grounded in real world phenomena and driven by questions such as: Why are the horns of mountain sheep shorter now than they were 25 years ago? How is it possible for humans to be resistant to HIV?

Scientific Models

Students create, evaluate, and revise scientific models of the phenomena they are investigating.

Diverse Evidence

Models are created and evaluated based on evidence sets. The evidence is either collected by students or provided in the materials. Evidence varies in quality from well-conducted experiments to anecdotal accounts.

Argument and Discussion

PRACCIS materials engage students in multiple opportunities to practice and improve their argument writing skills; using evidence to support or refute a model (claim) and providing good reasons.

Epistemic Scaffolds

PRACCIS materials include a suite of scaffolds aimed at helping students create good models, evaluate models and evidence, and relate evidence to models.