Nature of Science

Name ______

Nature of Science

Key Learning: Real life problems are scientifically investigated with the formulation of questions, construction of investigations, the collection of data, and communicating results. Science is a multifaceted and enduring process, but is open to change based on empirical evidence.

Lesson Essential Questions: 1. How do scientists investigate questions, conduct investigations, collect data, and communicate their findings? 2. How are replication and repetition different with scientific investigations? 3. What is the relationship between the test and outcome variables in an experiment? 4. How do the methods used in different scientific fields differ as scientific explanations are attempted to be discovered? 5. How can scientists use empirical evidence and use creative thinking during investigations? 6. How does scientific thinking change over time? 7. How is scientific knowledge a result of debate and confirmation in a science community? 8. What are the benefits and limitations of using scientific models? 9. What is the difference between theories and laws?

Concepts: 1. Developing Investigations 2. Practice of Science 3. Characteristics of Science 4. Role of Models 5. Role of Theories and Laws

One concept I would like to learn more about is __Practice of Science______

Create a personal goal that relates to the concept you picked.

Personal Learning Goal: ______How am I going to show I accomplished my goal? ______

Score 4.0 In addition to Score 3.0, in-depth inferences Design and carry out an investigation, such as, to test which material is and applications that go beyond what was the best insulator: Predict which way heat energy will flow in a system taught. and analyze the flow of energy in a system from one point to another and from one form to another. Use proper tools such data table and graphs to record and present your final conclusion. Score 3.0 The student: Given a seventh grade problem, design an experiment using the steps of •designs a valid experiment the scientific method. Identify the independent variable, dependent •formulates testable questions and variable, and the method carrying out the experiment. hypothesis and recognizes Design data collection to be shown in table and graph form and explain the kind (type) of scientific investigation the purpose of multiple trials. being conducted based on different questions In a short essay explain why the scientific method is not always a • explains why there is no fixed procedure viable way of conducting an experiment. called “the scientific method”, but some investigations involve Science Fair Project reasoning, and imagination in developing hypotheses and other explanations

The student exhibits no major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes

Score 2.0 There are no major errors or omissions List the method for identifying the independent variable and dependent regarding the simpler details and processes variable. as the student: •recognizes or recalls specific terminology Identifies and describes the importance of the independent variable, such as: dependent variable, control of constants, and multiple trials to the quantitative observation, qualitative design of a valid experiment. observation Explain the advantage of repetition (multiple trials) and replication to •describes the importance of identifying ensure valid experimentation. the independent variable, dependent variable and multiple trials to the design of

a valid experiment Identify or produce definitions to given terms However, the student exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes.

Score 1.0 With help, a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes and some of the more complex ideas and processes.

Score 0.0 Even with help, no understanding or skill demonstrated. Did I accomplish my goal? ______4 = I did better than the goal I set 3 = I accomplished my goal 2 = I didn’t accomplish everything I wanted to, but I learned quite a bit 1 = I tried but I didn’t really learn much 0 = I didn’t really try to accomplish my goal

Nature of Science Learning Scale 4 LEVEL 4 - EXPERT/SUPERHERO I MEET LEVEL 1, 2, & 3 and CAN… Design and carry out an investigation. Use Proper tools such as data tables and graphs to record and present a final conclusion. I can do everything at Level 3 and go above and beyond those goals. 3.5 LEVEL 3.5 - MEETING THE GOAL I can do everything at Level 3, and can do some of the things in Level 4. 3 LEVEL 3 - MEETING THE GOAL I MEET LEVEL 1 & 2 and CAN… Given a seventh grade problem, design an experiment using the steps of the scientific method, identifying the independent variable, dependent variable, and the method carrying out the experiment.

Design data collection to be shown in table and graph form and explain the purpose of multiple trials.

In a short essay explain why the scientific method is not always a viable way of conducting an experiment. 2.5 LEVEL 2.5 - MEETING THE GOAL I can do everything at Level 2, and can do some of the things in Level 3. 2 LEVEL 2 - ALMOST THERE I MEET LEVEL 0 & 1 and CAN… List the method of identifying the independent variable and dependent variable.

Identify and describe the importance of the independent variable, dependent variable, control of constants, and multiple trials to the design of a valid experiment.

Explain the advantage of repetition (multiple trials) and replication to ensure valid experimentation.

Identify or produce definitions to the Nature of Science Vocabulary Terms. 1.5 LEVEL 1.5 - MEETING THE GOAL I can do everything at Level 1, and can do some of the things in Level 2. 1 LEVEL 1 - Getting Started I MEET LEVEL 0 and CAN… Explain some of the steps of the scientific method. Recognize and understand the definitions to some of the vocabulary terms. Did I accomplish my goal? ______4 = I did better than the goal I set 3 = I accomplished my goal 2 = I didn’t accomplish everything I wanted to, but I learned quite a bit 1 = I tried but I didn’t really learn much 0 = I didn’t really try to accomplish my goal