N.M. Code R. § 6.64.5.7 – Definitions

A. “Applied science” means such disciplines as agriculture, health fields, forensics, engineering and technology.
B. “Design technology” means developing the ability to design a solution to a problem and understanding the relationship of science and technology and the way people are involved in both. This standard helps establish design as the technological parallel to inquiry in science. Like the science as inquiry standard, this standard begins the understanding of the design process, as well as the ability to solve simple design problems.
C. “Inquiry” means a multifaceted activity that involves making observations; posing questions; examining books and other sources of information to see what is already known; planning investigations; reviewing what is already known in light of experimental evidence; using tools to gather, analyze, and interpret data; proposing answers, explanations, and predictions; and communicating the results. Inquiry requires identification of assumptions, use of critical and logical thinking and consideration of alternative explanations. Students will engage in selected aspects of inquiry as they learn the scientific way of knowing the natural world, but they also should develop the capacity to conduct complete inquiries.
[01-14-00; 6.64.5.7 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 4.7.1.4.7 & A, 07-31-01]