Which of the following is one of the NGSS eight scientific practices?

• A. Memorizing vocabulary
• B. Using mathematics and computational thinking
• C. Guessing outcomes
• D. Isolating variables without data

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is that the NGSS defines scientific practices that center on using quantitative reasoning and computational tools to explore and understand phenomena. Using mathematics and computational thinking fits this because it expects students to quantify observations, analyze data, identify trends, build and test models, and use simulations or coding to investigate how systems work. In real science tasks, this means things like graphing results, calculating rates or averages, applying equations to describe relationships, and using computational tools to visualize or predict outcomes—all ways to reason with evidence rather than rely on memory.

Memorizing vocabulary focuses on recall of terms rather than applying reasoning to explain phenomena; guessing outcomes and isolating variables without data ignore the evidence-based, data-informed approach that the practices require. By emphasizing math and computation, students actively interrogate data and models, which is why that option is the best fit.