Practice 1
Testable Questions
How do scientists turn curiosity into questions that can be investigated?
Short films on science practices in real research
Tools of Science
Explore the nature and process of science, including how scientists ask questions, collect evidence, build explanations, and communicate their work.
Science and engineering practices in action
Film library
Watch the series
These short videos are designed to introduce the science and engineering practices from the point of view of practicing scientists. They showcase the practices, tools, and people involved in scientific research. You can find the full series on YouTube.
Practice 2
Modeling
Explore how models help scientists make sense of systems they cannot observe all at once.
Practice 3
Sampling
Learn how scientists collect representative samples to answer questions about a larger population.
Practice 3
Proxies
See how proxies let scientists measure parts of the natural world that cannot be observed directly.
Practice 8
Collaboration
Discover how scientists with different expertise work together to answer complex questions.
A Research Story
E-NIG-MA
A case study in the questions, tools, and people that shape a scientific investigation.
Practice 4
Data as a Tool
Explore why good data matters, how it is collected and analyzed, and how OOI changes the possibilities.
New Ideas
Creativity
Creativity is part of every step of science, especially when disciplines come together to solve difficult problems.
About the series
Real science in practice
Tools of Science is a series of educational videos designed to help students explore the nature and process of science. These short videos introduce the science and engineering practices from the point of view of practicing scientists, illustrating the non-linear, cyclical nature of science and the creative vision and skills needed to conduct scientific research.
The series was produced by the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University and Tilapia Film. The videos and associated materials support the Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards.
Our objectives
- Engage students in exploring the scientific skills, knowledge, and creativity required to be an effective scientist.
- Pair interdisciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices with examples of real-world science.
For educators
Science & Engineering Practices
The videos and associated materials have been produced in close collaboration with educators to support the Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). You can use these films as introductions, discussion starters, or examples of real-world research to support your STEM units. We have listed the practices below with the films that best support each topic.
Explore the NGSS practices1. Asking questions and defining problems
Testable Questions shows how scientists turn curiosity into questions that can be investigated.
2. Developing and using models
Modeling shows how scientists use representations to explore systems and explain patterns. For more on scientific models, listen to Dr. Mick Follows in the Ocean Gazing Podcast.
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
Data as a Tool examines why data matters to scientific discovery, how it is collected, and how it can be analyzed and used responsibly.
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Constructing explanations and designing solutions
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Collaboration shows how scientists with different expertise work together to investigate questions and communicate what they learn.
People behind the project
The team
The core team brings together marine science, education, and film production to create the series and connect research with students and educators.
Core team
Dr. Kay Bidle
Microbial oceanographer and molecular ecologist
Kay is interested in phytoplankton-virus arms races and how microbial genes influence ocean ecosystems. He is one of the principal contributors to the conceptual design of the series, and his research is a content focus for the project.
Janice McDonnell
Educator, Department of 4-H Youth Development
Janice develops tools and professional development programs that promote Ocean Literacy. She is a principal contributor to the conceptual design of the series, translating and distributing resources to educators and students.
Dr. Kim Thamatrakoln
Molecular and cell biologist
Kim studies the molecular mechanisms behind the ecological success of phytoplankton. She is a principal contributor to the conceptual design of the series, and her research on light and photosynthesis is featured in the project.
Tilapia Film
Production team
Josh Kurz, Chris Metzler, and Jeff Springer produced the Tools of Science videos. They are principal contributors and the creative force behind these educational films.
Collaborating researchers
This videos were developed in collaboration with researchers from a wide variety of disciplines, including oceanography, biology, chemistry, mathematical modeling, and more. The research and these videos are part of a larger Convergent Research effort, bringing together questions, methods, and perspectives from multiple fields to address complex ocean science challenges.
Dr. Mick Follows
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dr. David Talmy
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dr. Jozef Nissimov
Rutgers University
Maeve Eason Hubbard
Rutgers University
Dr. Ben Van Mooy
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Dr. Giacomo (Jack) DiTullio
College of Charleston
Dr. Assaf Vardi
Weizmann Institute of Science
Dr. Marco Coolen
Curtin University
Project Funders and Supporting Organizations
These videos were made possible by the support of the following organizations:
