Transcript How Scientists work - Ms. Lewis and Mr. Shumaker

Do now:
Answer the following question in your notebook
 What are the six skills scientists use?
 Observing
 Classifying
 Making models
 Inferring
 Predicting
 Analyzing
In your class notes, title the page, BASKET ACTIVITY
What skills did we demonstrate with the items in the
colored basket?
Academic Language
 Classifying-grouping together items that are similar in
some way
 Observing- using one or more of your senses to gather
info
 Quantitative- numbers or amounts
 Qualitative-a description
Look at the picture below. On a sheet of notebook paper, write
down as many observations as possible
Using the same picture, on the same paper, write down as
many inferences as you can
Using the same picture, on the same paper, predict moms
reaction when she walks into the room
Academic Language
 Inferring-explaining or interpreting things you have
observed, can be thought of as a “why”
 Inferences are based on prior knowledge and observations
 Ex. Why is the dog dirty and wet?
 Predicting-a statement or about what will happen in the
future based on past experience or evidence
 Ex. What will moms reaction be?
 Analyzing-evaluating observations and data to reach a
conclusion about them
Making a model
Why make models?
-it’s a way to represent complex object or process that we
cannot easily observe
Based on the skills we have learned that scientists
use…how can we define the word science?
Academic Language
Science a way of learning about the natural world
 includes the knowledge we gain through exploration
 What is the catalyst for a scientific investigation?
 Skepticism-doubt, un acceptance of ideas (p.11)
Scenario: My favorite snack is microwave popcorn. I hate the
fact that when I poor it into the bowl, there are so many
unpopped kernals. Lets come up with a test, using the
scientific method.
1.) Question/Problem/Purpose-what are you trying to find
out, why are you trying to answer this question?
2.) Research-find out about the topic/problem
3.) Hypothesis- A prediction, explanation or possible answer to
scientific question; includes independent variable and
dependent variable when written, MUST be testable
4.) Experiment-the test/procedure to test the hypothesis, includes the materials and
procedure
Controlled experiment-an experiment where only one variable is changed at a
time
Data-facts figures and other evidence collected during investigation
(p.12)
a.) Control Group- “normal” group, the independent variable is NOT included
b.) Experimental Group-group that includes “the change”, the group includes the
independent variable
Variables:
a.) independent- the thing that you change
b.) dependent- the thing that you measure, it changes because
of the independent variable
c.) constant variables-the things that are the same in each
group
Repeated Trials- repetition of experiment—THIS IS A MUST
Replication-attempt to repeat a scientists experiment by a different scientist or group of
scientists
**You procedure must be written clearly to allow for replication and to avoid bias
Bias-error in the design of the experiment that affects the results
5.) Analysis-determining what your data means, this is where you include
graphs
***Make sure to use objective reasoning, not subjective reasoning
Objective Reasoning-based on evidence
Subjective reasoning- based on personal feelings or
values, an opinion
6.) Conclusion- Does your data support your hypothesis
**what is another question you now have-a good investigation
should ALWAYS lead to further questions
Drawing a conclusion is a way to develop a scientific explanation
Scientific explanation-generalization that makes sense of observations
by using logical reasoning