How do the National Science Education Standards support the teaching of engineering principles and design?

Abstract

The recently developed National Science Education Standards (NSES) have the overall goal of making scientific literacy, in all of our citizens, a reality in the 21st century. The NSES science standards address content in science and technology as well as science as inquiry, science in personal and social perspectives, and the history and nature of science in grades K-4, 5-8 and 9-12. We have examined the extent to which the NSES support the teaching of engineering principles and design within the traditional science content areas. We have identified sections within the standards that adequately address the need for exposing students to engineering and technology. We have also identified sections where engineering and technology are not included but where we believe that they have a major role. The paper is a summary of our findings and recommendations.