NSES Content Standard A  Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry  Grades K-4, page 122  Communicate investigations and explanations. Students should begin developing the abilities to communicate, critique, and analyze their work and the work of other students. This communication might be spoken or drawn as well as written.

 
Benchmark 1B The Nature of Science: Scientific Inquiry
Grades 3-5, page 11
Results of scientific investigations are seldom exactly the same, but if the differences are large, it is important to try to figure out why. One reason for following directions carefully and for keeping records of one's work is to provide information on what might have caused the differences.

Benchmark 1C The Nature of Science: The Scientific Enterprise
Grades K-2, page 15
In doing science, it is often helpful to work with a team and to share findings with others. All team members should reach their own individual conclusions, however, about what the findings mean.

Benchmark 1C The Nature of Science: The Scientific Enterprise
Grades 3-5, page 16
Clear communication is an essential part of doing science. It enables scientists to inform others about their work, expose their ideas to criticism by other scientists, and stay informed about scientific discoveries around the world.

Benchmark 12D Habits of Mind: Communication Skills
Grades K-2, page 296
Describe and compare things in terms of number, shape, texture, size, weight, color, and motion.

Benchmark 12D Habits of Mind: Communication Skills
Grades K-2, page 296
Draw pictures that correctly portray at least some features of the thing being described.

Benchmark 12D Habits of Mind: Communication Skills
Grades 3-5, page 296
Write instructions that others can follow in carrying out a procedure.

Benchmark 12D Habits of Mind: Communication Skills
Grades 3-5, page 296
Make sketches to aid in explaining procedures or ideas.

Benchmark 12D Habits of Mind: Communication Skills
Grades 3-5, page 296
Use numerical data in describing and comparing objects and events.

Benchmark 12E Habits of Mind: Critical-Response Skills
Grades K-2, page 298
Ask "How do you know?" in appropriate situations and attempt reasonable answers when others ask them the same question.

Benchmark 12E Habits of Mind: Critical-Response Skills
Grades 3-5, page 299
Seek better reasons for believing something than "Everybody knows that . . ." or "I just know" and discount such reasons when given by others.