3. Working with data—Once the data are collected, scientists summarize it in various types of visual displays and describe or interpret patterns in the data and explore relationships between variables.
4. Answering the research question—Scientists use evidence from observations and investigations, together with their theories to answer questions and support or refute hypotheses.
5. Making an argument from evidence—Scientists use evidence together with science knowledge to construct explanations, justify and support the reasonableness of their explanations and conclusions, and extend their conclusions to new situations.
These science practices are assessed in the context of one of the science content domains, and by drawing upon the range of thinking processes specified in the cognitive domains. Some items in the TIMSS 2019 science assessment at both the fourth and eighth grades assess one or more of these important science practices as well as content specified in the content domains and thinking processes specified in the cognitive domains.