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scientific method fortune teller

An introduction to the Scientific method and the different steps involved.

Author Christina Nunez
Owner Christina Nunez
Start date May 02, 2008
End date May 02, 2008
Number of participants 26
Sharing Public
Comments Enabled
Average Rating Unrated
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Standards

Scientific Thinking and Practice Standard 1

Scientific Thinking and Practice Standard 1 - SC

Understand the processes of scientific investigations and use inquiry and scientific ways of observing, experimenting, predicting, and validating to think critically.

Grade K-4 students will: Grade 5-8 students will: Grade 9-12 students will:
  1. Use scientific methods to observe, collect, record, analyze, predict, interpret, and determine reasonableness of data.

    Kindergarten

    1. Use observation and questioning skills in science inquiry (e.g., What happens when something is pushed or pulled?).

    2. Ask and answer questions about surroundings and share findings with classmates.

    3. Record observations and data with pictures, numbers, and/or symbols.

    1st Grade

    1. Make observations, develop simple questions, and make comparisons of familiar situations (e.g., What does the seed look like when it starts to grow?).

    2. Describe relationships between objects (e.g., above, next to, below) and predict the results of changing the relationships (e.g., When that block moves, what will happen to the one next to it?).

    2nd Grade

    1. Conduct simple investigations (e.g., measure the sizes of plants of the same kind that are grown in sunlight and in shade).

    2. Use tools to provide information not directly available through only the senses (e.g., magnifiers, rulers, thermometers).

    3. Make predictions based on observed patterns as opposed to random guessing.

    4. Follow simple instructions for a scientific investigation.

    3rd Grade

    1. Make new observations when discrepancies exist between two descriptions of the same object or phenomenon to improve accuracy.

    2. Recognize the difference between data and opinion.

    3. Use numerical data in describing and comparing objects, events, and measurements.

    4. Collect data in an investigation and analyze those data.

    5. Know that the same scientific laws govern investigations in different times and places (e.g., gravity, growing plants).

    4th Grade

    1. Use instruments to perform investigations (e.g., timers, balances) and communicate findings.

    2. Differentiate observation from interpretation and understand that a scientific explanation comes in part from what is observed and in part from how the observation is interpreted.

    3. Conduct multiple trials to test a prediction, draw logical conclusions, and construct and interpret graphs from measurements.

    4. Collect data in an investigation using multiple techniques, including control groups, and analyze those data to determine what other investigations could be conducted to validate findings.

  2. Use scientific thinking and knowledge and communicate findings.

    Kindergarten

    1. Communicate observations and answer questions about surroundings.

    1st Grade

    1. Know that simple investigations do not always turn out as planned.

    2nd Grade

    1. Understand that in doing science it is often helpful to work with a team and share findings.

    2. Make accurate observations and communicate findings about investigations.

    3rd Grade

    1. Use a variety of methods to display data and present findings.

    2. Understand that predictions are based on observations, measurements, and cause-and-effect relationships.

    4th Grade

    1. Communicate ideas and present findings about scientific investigations that are open to critique from others.

    2. Describe how scientific investigations may differ from one another (e.g., observations of nature, measurements of things changing over time).

    3. Understand how data are used to explain how a simple system functions (e.g., a thermometer to measure heat loss as water cools).

  3. Use mathematical skills and vocabulary to analyze data, understand patterns and relationships, and communicate findings.

    Kindergarten

    1. Observe and describe the relative sizes and characteristics of objects (e.g., bigger, brighter, louder, smellier).

    1st Grade

    1. Use numbers and mathematical language (e.g., "addition" instead of "add to," "subtraction" instead of "take away") to describe phenomena.

    2nd Grade

    1. Record observations on simple charts or diagrams.

    2. Measure length, weight, and temperature with appropriate tools and express those measurements in accurate mathematical language.

    3rd Grade

    1. Use numerical data in describing and comparing objects, events, and measurements.

    2. Pose a question of interest and present observations and measurements with accuracy.

    3. Use various methods to display data and present findings and communicate results in accurate mathematical language.

    4th Grade

    1. Conduct multiple trials using simple mathematical techniques to make and test predictions.

    2. Use mathematical equations to formulate and justify predictions based on cause-and-effect relationships.

    3. Identify simple mathematical relationships in a scientific investigation (e.g., the relationship of the density of materials that will or will not float in water to the density of water).

  1. Use scientific methods to develop questions, design and conduct experiments using appropriate technologies, analyze and evaluate results, make predictions, and communicate findings.

    5th Grade

    1. Plan and conduct investigations, including formulating testable questions, making systematic observations, developing logical conclusions, and communicating findings.

    2. Use appropriate technologies (e.g., calculators, computers, balances, spring scales, microscopes) to perform scientific tests and to collect and display data.

    3. Use graphic representations (e.g., charts, graphs, tables, labeled diagrams) to present data and produce explanations for investigations.

    4. Describe how credible scientific investigations use reproducible elements including single variables, controls, and appropriate sample sizes to produce valid scientific results.

    5. Communicate the steps and results of a scientific investigation.

    6th Grade

    1. Construct appropriate graphs from data and develop qualitative and quantitative statements about the relationships between variables being investigated.

    2. Examine the reasonableness of data supporting a proposed scientific explanation.

    3. Justify predictions and conclusions based on data.

    7th Grade

    1. Use a variety of print and web resources to collect information, inform investigations, and answer a scientific question or hypothesis.

    2. Use models to explain the relationships between variables being investigated.

    8th Grade

    1. Evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of data and observations.

    2. Use a variety of technologies to gather, analyze and interpret scientific data.

    3. Know how to recognize and explain anomalous data.

  2. Understand the processes of scientific investigation and how scientific inquiry results in scientific knowledge.

    5th Grade

    1. Understand that different kinds of investigations are used to answer different kinds of questions (e.g., observations, data collection, controlled experiments).

    2. Understand that scientific conclusions are subject to peer and public review.

    6th Grade

    1. Understand that scientific knowledge is continually reviewed, critiqued, and revised as new data become available.

    2. Understand that scientific investigations use common processes that include the collection of relevant data and observations, accurate measurements, the identification and control of variables, and logical reasoning to formulate hypotheses and explanations.

    3. Understand that not all investigations result in defensible scientific explanations.

    7th Grade

    1. Describe how bias can affect scientific investigation and conclusions.

    2. Critique procedures used to investigate a hypothesis.

    3. Analyze and evaluate scientific explanations.

    8th Grade

    1. Examine alternative explanations for observations.

    2. Describe ways in which science differs from other ways of knowing and from other bodies of knowledge (e.g., experimentation, logical arguments, skepticism).

    3. Know that scientific knowledge is built on questions posed as testable hypotheses, which are tested until the results are accepted by peers.

  3. Use mathematical ideas, tools, and techniques to understand scientific knowledge.

    5th Grade

    1. Use appropriate units to make precise and varied measurements.

    2. Use mathematical skills to analyze data.

    3. Make predictions based on analyses of data, observations, and explanations.

    4. Understand the attributes to be measured in a scientific investigation and describe the units, systems, and processes for making the measurement.

    6th Grade

    1. Evaluate the usefulness and relevance of data to an investigation.

    2. Use probabilities, patterns, and relationships to explain data and observations.

    7th Grade

    1. Understand that the number of data (sample size) influences the reliability of a prediction.

    2. Use mathematical expressions to represent data and observations collected in scientific investigations.

    3. Select and use an appropriate model to examine a phenomenon.

    8th Grade

    1. Use mathematical expressions and techniques to explain data and observations and to communicate findings (e.g., formulas and equations, significant figures, graphing, sampling, estimation, mean).

    2. Create models to describe phenomena.

  1. Use accepted scientific methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data and observations and to design and conduct scientific investigations and communicate results.

    1. Describe the essential components of an investigation, including appropriate methodologies, proper equipment, and safety precautions.

    2. Design and conduct scientific investigations that include:

    • testable hypotheses
    • controls and variables
    • methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data
    • results that address hypotheses being investigated
    • predictions based on results
    • re-evaluation of hypotheses and additional experimentation as necessary
    • error analysis.

    3. Use appropriate technologies to collect, analyze, and communicate scientific data (e.g., computers, calculators, balances, microscopes).

    4. Convey results of investigations using scientific concepts, methodologies, and expressions, including:

    • scientific language and symbols
    • diagrams, charts, and other data displays
    • mathematical expressions and processes (e.g., mean, median, slope, proportionality)
    • clear, logical, and concise communication
    • reasoned arguments

    5. Understand how scientific theories are used to explain and predict natural phenomena (e.g., plate tectonics, ocean currents, structure

  2. Understand that scientific processes produce scientific knowledge that is continually evaluated, validated, revised, or rejected.

    1. Understand how scientific processes produce valid, reliable results, including:

    • consistency of explanations with data and observations
    • openness to peer review
    • full disclosure and examination of assumptions
    • testability of hypotheses
    • repeatability of experiments and reproducibility of results.

    2. Use scientific reasoning and valid logic to recognize:

    • faulty logic
    • cause and effect
    • the difference between observation and unsubstantiated inferences and conclusions
    • potential bias

    3. Understand how new data and observations can result in new scientific knowledge.

    4. Critically analyze an accepted explanation by reviewing current scientific knowledge.

    5. Examine investigations of current interest in science (e.g., superconductivity, molecular machines, age of the universe).

    6. Examine the scientific processes and logic used in investigations of past events (e.g., using data from crime scenes, fossils), investigations that can be planned in advance but are only done once (e.g., expensive or time-consuming experiments such as medical clinical trials), and investigations of phenomena that can be repeated easily and frequently.

  3. Use mathematical concepts, principles, and expressions to analyze data, develop models, understand patterns and relationships, evaluate findings, and draw conclusions.

    1. Create multiple displays of data to analyze and explain the relationships in scientific investigations.

    2. Use mathematical models to describe, explain, and predict natural phenomena.

    3. Use technologies to quantify relationships in scientific hypotheses (e.g., calculators, computer spreadsheets and databases, graphing software, simulations, modeling).

    4. Identify and apply measurement techniques and consider possible effects of measurement errors.

    5. Use mathematics to express and establish scientific relationships (e.g., scientific notation, vectors, dimensional analysis).

Scientific Thinking and Practice Standard 1

Scientific Thinking and Practice Standard 1 - SC

Understand the processes of scientific investigations and use inquiry and scientific ways of observing, experimenting, predicting, and validating to think critically.

Grade K-4 students will: Grade 5-8 students will: Grade 9-12 students will:
  1. Use scientific methods to observe, collect, record, analyze, predict, interpret, and determine reasonableness of data.

    Kindergarten

    1. Use observation and questioning skills in science inquiry (e.g., What happens when something is pushed or pulled?).

    2. Ask and answer questions about surroundings and share findings with classmates.

    3. Record observations and data with pictures, numbers, and/or symbols.

    1st Grade

    1. Make observations, develop simple questions, and make comparisons of familiar situations (e.g., What does the seed look like when it starts to grow?).

    2. Describe relationships between objects (e.g., above, next to, below) and predict the results of changing the relationships (e.g., When that block moves, what will happen to the one next to it?).

    2nd Grade

    1. Conduct simple investigations (e.g., measure the sizes of plants of the same kind that are grown in sunlight and in shade).

    2. Use tools to provide information not directly available through only the senses (e.g., magnifiers, rulers, thermometers).

    3. Make predictions based on observed patterns as opposed to random guessing.

    4. Follow simple instructions for a scientific investigation.

    3rd Grade

    1. Make new observations when discrepancies exist between two descriptions of the same object or phenomenon to improve accuracy.

    2. Recognize the difference between data and opinion.

    3. Use numerical data in describing and comparing objects, events, and measurements.

    4. Collect data in an investigation and analyze those data.

    5. Know that the same scientific laws govern investigations in different times and places (e.g., gravity, growing plants).

    4th Grade

    1. Use instruments to perform investigations (e.g., timers, balances) and communicate findings.

    2. Differentiate observation from interpretation and understand that a scientific explanation comes in part from what is observed and in part from how the observation is interpreted.

    3. Conduct multiple trials to test a prediction, draw logical conclusions, and construct and interpret graphs from measurements.

    4. Collect data in an investigation using multiple techniques, including control groups, and analyze those data to determine what other investigations could be conducted to validate findings.

  2. Use scientific thinking and knowledge and communicate findings.

    Kindergarten

    1. Communicate observations and answer questions about surroundings.

    1st Grade

    1. Know that simple investigations do not always turn out as planned.

    2nd Grade

    1. Understand that in doing science it is often helpful to work with a team and share findings.

    2. Make accurate observations and communicate findings about investigations.

    3rd Grade

    1. Use a variety of methods to display data and present findings.

    2. Understand that predictions are based on observations, measurements, and cause-and-effect relationships.

    4th Grade

    1. Communicate ideas and present findings about scientific investigations that are open to critique from others.

    2. Describe how scientific investigations may differ from one another (e.g., observations of nature, measurements of things changing over time).

    3. Understand how data are used to explain how a simple system functions (e.g., a thermometer to measure heat loss as water cools).

  3. Use mathematical skills and vocabulary to analyze data, understand patterns and relationships, and communicate findings.

    Kindergarten

    1. Observe and describe the relative sizes and characteristics of objects (e.g., bigger, brighter, louder, smellier).

    1st Grade

    1. Use numbers and mathematical language (e.g., "addition" instead of "add to," "subtraction" instead of "take away") to describe phenomena.

    2nd Grade

    1. Record observations on simple charts or diagrams.

    2. Measure length, weight, and temperature with appropriate tools and express those measurements in accurate mathematical language.

    3rd Grade

    1. Use numerical data in describing and comparing objects, events, and measurements.

    2. Pose a question of interest and present observations and measurements with accuracy.

    3. Use various methods to display data and present findings and communicate results in accurate mathematical language.

    4th Grade

    1. Conduct multiple trials using simple mathematical techniques to make and test predictions.

    2. Use mathematical equations to formulate and justify predictions based on cause-and-effect relationships.

    3. Identify simple mathematical relationships in a scientific investigation (e.g., the relationship of the density of materials that will or will not float in water to the density of water).

  1. Use scientific methods to develop questions, design and conduct experiments using appropriate technologies, analyze and evaluate results, make predictions, and communicate findings.

    5th Grade

    1. Plan and conduct investigations, including formulating testable questions, making systematic observations, developing logical conclusions, and communicating findings.

    2. Use appropriate technologies (e.g., calculators, computers, balances, spring scales, microscopes) to perform scientific tests and to collect and display data.

    3. Use graphic representations (e.g., charts, graphs, tables, labeled diagrams) to present data and produce explanations for investigations.

    4. Describe how credible scientific investigations use reproducible elements including single variables, controls, and appropriate sample sizes to produce valid scientific results.

    5. Communicate the steps and results of a scientific investigation.

    6th Grade

    1. Construct appropriate graphs from data and develop qualitative and quantitative statements about the relationships between variables being investigated.

    2. Examine the reasonableness of data supporting a proposed scientific explanation.

    3. Justify predictions and conclusions based on data.

    7th Grade

    1. Use a variety of print and web resources to collect information, inform investigations, and answer a scientific question or hypothesis.

    2. Use models to explain the relationships between variables being investigated.

    8th Grade

    1. Evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of data and observations.

    2. Use a variety of technologies to gather, analyze and interpret scientific data.

    3. Know how to recognize and explain anomalous data.

  2. Understand the processes of scientific investigation and how scientific inquiry results in scientific knowledge.

    5th Grade

    1. Understand that different kinds of investigations are used to answer different kinds of questions (e.g., observations, data collection, controlled experiments).

    2. Understand that scientific conclusions are subject to peer and public review.

    6th Grade

    1. Understand that scientific knowledge is continually reviewed, critiqued, and revised as new data become available.

    2. Understand that scientific investigations use common processes that include the collection of relevant data and observations, accurate measurements, the identification and control of variables, and logical reasoning to formulate hypotheses and explanations.

    3. Understand that not all investigations result in defensible scientific explanations.

    7th Grade

    1. Describe how bias can affect scientific investigation and conclusions.

    2. Critique procedures used to investigate a hypothesis.

    3. Analyze and evaluate scientific explanations.

    8th Grade

    1. Examine alternative explanations for observations.

    2. Describe ways in which science differs from other ways of knowing and from other bodies of knowledge (e.g., experimentation, logical arguments, skepticism).

    3. Know that scientific knowledge is built on questions posed as testable hypotheses, which are tested until the results are accepted by peers.

  3. Use mathematical ideas, tools, and techniques to understand scientific knowledge.

    5th Grade

    1. Use appropriate units to make precise and varied measurements.

    2. Use mathematical skills to analyze data.

    3. Make predictions based on analyses of data, observations, and explanations.

    4. Understand the attributes to be measured in a scientific investigation and describe the units, systems, and processes for making the measurement.

    6th Grade

    1. Evaluate the usefulness and relevance of data to an investigation.

    2. Use probabilities, patterns, and relationships to explain data and observations.

    7th Grade

    1. Understand that the number of data (sample size) influences the reliability of a prediction.

    2. Use mathematical expressions to represent data and observations collected in scientific investigations.

    3. Select and use an appropriate model to examine a phenomenon.

    8th Grade

    1. Use mathematical expressions and techniques to explain data and observations and to communicate findings (e.g., formulas and equations, significant figures, graphing, sampling, estimation, mean).

    2. Create models to describe phenomena.

  1. Use accepted scientific methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data and observations and to design and conduct scientific investigations and communicate results.

    1. Describe the essential components of an investigation, including appropriate methodologies, proper equipment, and safety precautions.

    2. Design and conduct scientific investigations that include:

    • testable hypotheses
    • controls and variables
    • methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data
    • results that address hypotheses being investigated
    • predictions based on results
    • re-evaluation of hypotheses and additional experimentation as necessary
    • error analysis.

    3. Use appropriate technologies to collect, analyze, and communicate scientific data (e.g., computers, calculators, balances, microscopes).

    4. Convey results of investigations using scientific concepts, methodologies, and expressions, including:

    • scientific language and symbols
    • diagrams, charts, and other data displays
    • mathematical expressions and processes (e.g., mean, median, slope, proportionality)
    • clear, logical, and concise communication
    • reasoned arguments

    5. Understand how scientific theories are used to explain and predict natural phenomena (e.g., plate tectonics, ocean currents, structure

  2. Understand that scientific processes produce scientific knowledge that is continually evaluated, validated, revised, or rejected.

    1. Understand how scientific processes produce valid, reliable results, including:

    • consistency of explanations with data and observations
    • openness to peer review
    • full disclosure and examination of assumptions
    • testability of hypotheses
    • repeatability of experiments and reproducibility of results.

    2. Use scientific reasoning and valid logic to recognize:

    • faulty logic
    • cause and effect
    • the difference between observation and unsubstantiated inferences and conclusions
    • potential bias

    3. Understand how new data and observations can result in new scientific knowledge.

    4. Critically analyze an accepted explanation by reviewing current scientific knowledge.

    5. Examine investigations of current interest in science (e.g., superconductivity, molecular machines, age of the universe).

    6. Examine the scientific processes and logic used in investigations of past events (e.g., using data from crime scenes, fossils), investigations that can be planned in advance but are only done once (e.g., expensive or time-consuming experiments such as medical clinical trials), and investigations of phenomena that can be repeated easily and frequently.

  3. Use mathematical concepts, principles, and expressions to analyze data, develop models, understand patterns and relationships, evaluate findings, and draw conclusions.

    1. Create multiple displays of data to analyze and explain the relationships in scientific investigations.

    2. Use mathematical models to describe, explain, and predict natural phenomena.

    3. Use technologies to quantify relationships in scientific hypotheses (e.g., calculators, computer spreadsheets and databases, graphing software, simulations, modeling).

    4. Identify and apply measurement techniques and consider possible effects of measurement errors.

    5. Use mathematics to express and establish scientific relationships (e.g., scientific notation, vectors, dimensional analysis).

Scientific Thinking and Practice Standard 1

Scientific Thinking and Practice Standard 1 - SC

Understand the processes of scientific investigations and use inquiry and scientific ways of observing, experimenting, predicting, and validating to think critically.

Grade K-4 students will: Grade 5-8 students will: Grade 9-12 students will:
  1. Use scientific methods to observe, collect, record, analyze, predict, interpret, and determine reasonableness of data.

    Kindergarten

    1. Use observation and questioning skills in science inquiry (e.g., What happens when something is pushed or pulled?).

    2. Ask and answer questions about surroundings and share findings with classmates.

    3. Record observations and data with pictures, numbers, and/or symbols.

    1st Grade

    1. Make observations, develop simple questions, and make comparisons of familiar situations (e.g., What does the seed look like when it starts to grow?).

    2. Describe relationships between objects (e.g., above, next to, below) and predict the results of changing the relationships (e.g., When that block moves, what will happen to the one next to it?).

    2nd Grade

    1. Conduct simple investigations (e.g., measure the sizes of plants of the same kind that are grown in sunlight and in shade).

    2. Use tools to provide information not directly available through only the senses (e.g., magnifiers, rulers, thermometers).

    3. Make predictions based on observed patterns as opposed to random guessing.

    4. Follow simple instructions for a scientific investigation.

    3rd Grade

    1. Make new observations when discrepancies exist between two descriptions of the same object or phenomenon to improve accuracy.

    2. Recognize the difference between data and opinion.

    3. Use numerical data in describing and comparing objects, events, and measurements.

    4. Collect data in an investigation and analyze those data.

    5. Know that the same scientific laws govern investigations in different times and places (e.g., gravity, growing plants).

    4th Grade

    1. Use instruments to perform investigations (e.g., timers, balances) and communicate findings.

    2. Differentiate observation from interpretation and understand that a scientific explanation comes in part from what is observed and in part from how the observation is interpreted.

    3. Conduct multiple trials to test a prediction, draw logical conclusions, and construct and interpret graphs from measurements.

    4. Collect data in an investigation using multiple techniques, including control groups, and analyze those data to determine what other investigations could be conducted to validate findings.

  2. Use scientific thinking and knowledge and communicate findings.

    Kindergarten

    1. Communicate observations and answer questions about surroundings.

    1st Grade

    1. Know that simple investigations do not always turn out as planned.

    2nd Grade

    1. Understand that in doing science it is often helpful to work with a team and share findings.

    2. Make accurate observations and communicate findings about investigations.

    3rd Grade

    1. Use a variety of methods to display data and present findings.

    2. Understand that predictions are based on observations, measurements, and cause-and-effect relationships.

    4th Grade

    1. Communicate ideas and present findings about scientific investigations that are open to critique from others.

    2. Describe how scientific investigations may differ from one another (e.g., observations of nature, measurements of things changing over time).

    3. Understand how data are used to explain how a simple system functions (e.g., a thermometer to measure heat loss as water cools).

  3. Use mathematical skills and vocabulary to analyze data, understand patterns and relationships, and communicate findings.

    Kindergarten

    1. Observe and describe the relative sizes and characteristics of objects (e.g., bigger, brighter, louder, smellier).

    1st Grade

    1. Use numbers and mathematical language (e.g., "addition" instead of "add to," "subtraction" instead of "take away") to describe phenomena.

    2nd Grade

    1. Record observations on simple charts or diagrams.

    2. Measure length, weight, and temperature with appropriate tools and express those measurements in accurate mathematical language.

    3rd Grade

    1. Use numerical data in describing and comparing objects, events, and measurements.

    2. Pose a question of interest and present observations and measurements with accuracy.

    3. Use various methods to display data and present findings and communicate results in accurate mathematical language.

    4th Grade

    1. Conduct multiple trials using simple mathematical techniques to make and test predictions.

    2. Use mathematical equations to formulate and justify predictions based on cause-and-effect relationships.

    3. Identify simple mathematical relationships in a scientific investigation (e.g., the relationship of the density of materials that will or will not float in water to the density of water).

  1. Use scientific methods to develop questions, design and conduct experiments using appropriate technologies, analyze and evaluate results, make predictions, and communicate findings.

    5th Grade

    1. Plan and conduct investigations, including formulating testable questions, making systematic observations, developing logical conclusions, and communicating findings.

    2. Use appropriate technologies (e.g., calculators, computers, balances, spring scales, microscopes) to perform scientific tests and to collect and display data.

    3. Use graphic representations (e.g., charts, graphs, tables, labeled diagrams) to present data and produce explanations for investigations.

    4. Describe how credible scientific investigations use reproducible elements including single variables, controls, and appropriate sample sizes to produce valid scientific results.

    5. Communicate the steps and results of a scientific investigation.

    6th Grade

    1. Construct appropriate graphs from data and develop qualitative and quantitative statements about the relationships between variables being investigated.

    2. Examine the reasonableness of data supporting a proposed scientific explanation.

    3. Justify predictions and conclusions based on data.

    7th Grade

    1. Use a variety of print and web resources to collect information, inform investigations, and answer a scientific question or hypothesis.

    2. Use models to explain the relationships between variables being investigated.

    8th Grade

    1. Evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of data and observations.

    2. Use a variety of technologies to gather, analyze and interpret scientific data.

    3. Know how to recognize and explain anomalous data.

  2. Understand the processes of scientific investigation and how scientific inquiry results in scientific knowledge.

    5th Grade

    1. Understand that different kinds of investigations are used to answer different kinds of questions (e.g., observations, data collection, controlled experiments).

    2. Understand that scientific conclusions are subject to peer and public review.

    6th Grade

    1. Understand that scientific knowledge is continually reviewed, critiqued, and revised as new data become available.

    2. Understand that scientific investigations use common processes that include the collection of relevant data and observations, accurate measurements, the identification and control of variables, and logical reasoning to formulate hypotheses and explanations.

    3. Understand that not all investigations result in defensible scientific explanations.

    7th Grade

    1. Describe how bias can affect scientific investigation and conclusions.

    2. Critique procedures used to investigate a hypothesis.

    3. Analyze and evaluate scientific explanations.

    8th Grade

    1. Examine alternative explanations for observations.

    2. Describe ways in which science differs from other ways of knowing and from other bodies of knowledge (e.g., experimentation, logical arguments, skepticism).

    3. Know that scientific knowledge is built on questions posed as testable hypotheses, which are tested until the results are accepted by peers.

  3. Use mathematical ideas, tools, and techniques to understand scientific knowledge.

    5th Grade

    1. Use appropriate units to make precise and varied measurements.

    2. Use mathematical skills to analyze data.

    3. Make predictions based on analyses of data, observations, and explanations.

    4. Understand the attributes to be measured in a scientific investigation and describe the units, systems, and processes for making the measurement.

    6th Grade

    1. Evaluate the usefulness and relevance of data to an investigation.

    2. Use probabilities, patterns, and relationships to explain data and observations.

    7th Grade

    1. Understand that the number of data (sample size) influences the reliability of a prediction.

    2. Use mathematical expressions to represent data and observations collected in scientific investigations.

    3. Select and use an appropriate model to examine a phenomenon.

    8th Grade

    1. Use mathematical expressions and techniques to explain data and observations and to communicate findings (e.g., formulas and equations, significant figures, graphing, sampling, estimation, mean).

    2. Create models to describe phenomena.

  1. Use accepted scientific methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data and observations and to design and conduct scientific investigations and communicate results.

    1. Describe the essential components of an investigation, including appropriate methodologies, proper equipment, and safety precautions.

    2. Design and conduct scientific investigations that include:

    • testable hypotheses
    • controls and variables
    • methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data
    • results that address hypotheses being investigated
    • predictions based on results
    • re-evaluation of hypotheses and additional experimentation as necessary
    • error analysis.

    3. Use appropriate technologies to collect, analyze, and communicate scientific data (e.g., computers, calculators, balances, microscopes).

    4. Convey results of investigations using scientific concepts, methodologies, and expressions, including:

    • scientific language and symbols
    • diagrams, charts, and other data displays
    • mathematical expressions and processes (e.g., mean, median, slope, proportionality)
    • clear, logical, and concise communication
    • reasoned arguments

    5. Understand how scientific theories are used to explain and predict natural phenomena (e.g., plate tectonics, ocean currents, structure

  2. Understand that scientific processes produce scientific knowledge that is continually evaluated, validated, revised, or rejected.

    1. Understand how scientific processes produce valid, reliable results, including:

    • consistency of explanations with data and observations
    • openness to peer review
    • full disclosure and examination of assumptions
    • testability of hypotheses
    • repeatability of experiments and reproducibility of results.

    2. Use scientific reasoning and valid logic to recognize:

    • faulty logic
    • cause and effect
    • the difference between observation and unsubstantiated inferences and conclusions
    • potential bias

    3. Understand how new data and observations can result in new scientific knowledge.

    4. Critically analyze an accepted explanation by reviewing current scientific knowledge.

    5. Examine investigations of current interest in science (e.g., superconductivity, molecular machines, age of the universe).

    6. Examine the scientific processes and logic used in investigations of past events (e.g., using data from crime scenes, fossils), investigations that can be planned in advance but are only done once (e.g., expensive or time-consuming experiments such as medical clinical trials), and investigations of phenomena that can be repeated easily and frequently.

  3. Use mathematical concepts, principles, and expressions to analyze data, develop models, understand patterns and relationships, evaluate findings, and draw conclusions.

    1. Create multiple displays of data to analyze and explain the relationships in scientific investigations.

    2. Use mathematical models to describe, explain, and predict natural phenomena.

    3. Use technologies to quantify relationships in scientific hypotheses (e.g., calculators, computer spreadsheets and databases, graphing software, simulations, modeling).

    4. Identify and apply measurement techniques and consider possible effects of measurement errors.

    5. Use mathematics to express and establish scientific relationships (e.g., scientific notation, vectors, dimensional analysis).

Lesson Details

Objectives

Thinking:

TSW learn that the scientific method is a way of thinking and that they should use this method when performing a scientific experiment.

Social:

TSW learn to work in partnerships to discuss and review ideas.

Academic:

TSW learn that the scientific method is comprised of a question/title, a hypothesis, research, experiment, conclusion and application.

Materials

  • Definitions of scientific method
  • white paper

Procedures

Lesson Sequence:

1)       Ask the student is they have ever needed to design a science fair project. Tell them that you are going to have them make a study tool to help them remember the steps of the scientific method.

2)      Go over the steps of the scientific method and the definitions of each step. Also show an example of the step on a science experiment board.

3)      Step:1 Title/Question: you need to decide what you will do you science experiment on. You either need a question or a title that lets anyone who wants to do your experiment able to do it.

4)      Step 2: Hypothesis: the students should make their own guesses about what they believe will happen to their experiments.

5)      Step 3: Research: Before the students can start their experiment they must do research by looking up information on the subject they are working on.

6)      Step 4: Experiment: Students should design an experiment like a recipe. First listing the materials that are needed for the experiment and then writing out in steps what must be done to complete that experiment.

7)      Step 5: Conclusion: Students need to write out what happened in their experiment. They should display their findings by using pictures, photographs, charts or graphs. 

8)      Step 6: Application: How does their findings on their own experiments apply to everyday life?

9)      Once the students have seen an example of the steps of the scientific method on a board they each get a piece of square paper. The paper is folded up to create a fortune teller. On the outside of the fortune teller write the numbers 1-4 on the outside to use the tellers as a study guide. On the inside panels each panel is divided in half. The steps of the scientific method are written on the inside as well as the number of the step. On the inside, which is also divided in half the definition of the word is on the inside. 

10)  To use as a study guide students can use it alone or in partners. The partner picks a number 1-4 and uses the fortune teller 1-4 times. Then the person using the fortune teller says to pick a number- the number is the number of the step.  The other person picks a number and the word of that step is said out loud, students need to know the definition of that word.  The person using the fortune teller lifts up the flap to see if they are correct.

Activities

Assessments

Evaluations

Technologies

Resources

Extensions

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