Ms. Diane Rabalais, gifted science teacher

Science as Inquiry

The Abilities Necessary To Do Scientific Inquiry

1. Generate testable questions about objects, organisms, and events that can be answered through scientific investigation (SI-M-A1)

2. Identify problems, factors, and questions that must be considered in a scientific investigation

(SI-M-A1)

3. Use a variety of sources to answer questions (SI-M-A1)

4. Design, predict outcomes, and conduct experiments to answer guiding questions (SI-M-A2)

5. Identify independent variables, dependent variables, and variables that should be controlled in designing an experiment (SI-M-A2)

6. Select and use appropriate equipment, technology, tools, and metric system units of measurement to make observations (SI-M-A3)

7. Record observations using methods that complement investigations (e.g., journals, tables, charts) (SI-M-A3)

8. Use consistency and precision in data collection, analysis, and reporting (SI-M-A3)

9. Use computers and/or calculators to analyze and interpret quantitative data (SI-M-A3)

10. Identify the difference between description and explanation (SI-M-A4)

11. Construct, use, and interpret appropriate graphical representations to collect, record, and report data (e.g., tables, charts, circle graphs, bar and line graphs, diagrams, scatter plots, symbols)

(SI-M-A4)

12. Use data and information gathered to develop an explanation of experimental results (SI-M-A4)

13. Identify patterns in data to explain natural events (SI-M-A4)

14. Develop models to illustrate or explain conclusions reached through investigation (SI-M-A5)

15. Identify and explain the limitations of models used to represent the natural world (SI-M-A5)

16. Use evidence to make inferences and predict trends (SI-M-A5)

17. Recognize that there may be more than one way to interpret a given set of data, which can result in alternative scientific explanations and predictions (SI-M-A6)

18. Identify faulty reasoning and statements that misinterpret or are not supported by the evidence (SI-M-A6)

19. Communicate ideas in a variety of ways (e.g., symbols, illustrations, graphs, charts, spreadsheets, concept maps, oral and written reports, equations) (SI-M-A7)

20. Write clear, step-by-step instructions that others can follow to carry out procedures or conduct investigations (SI-M-A7)

21. Distinguish between observations and inferences (SI-M-A7)

22. Use evidence and observations to explain and communicate the results of investigations (SI-M-A7)

23. Use relevant safety procedures and equipment to conduct scientific investigations (SI-M-A8)

24. Provide appropriate care and utilize safe practices and ethical treatment when animals are involved in scientific field and laboratory research (SI-M-A8)

Understanding Scientific Inquiry

25. Compare and critique scientific investigations (SI-M-B1)

26. Use and describe alternate methods for investigating different types of testable questions

(SI-M-B1)

27. Recognize that science uses processes that involve a logical and empirical, but flexible, approach to problem solving (SI-M-B1)

28. Recognize that investigations generally begin with a review of the work of others (SI-M-B2)

29. Explain how technology can expand the senses and contribute to the increase and/or modification of scientific knowledge (SI-M-B3)

30. Describe why all questions cannot be answered with present technologies (SI-M-B3)

31. Recognize that there is an acceptable range of variation in collected data (SI-M-B3)

32. Explain the use of statistical methods to confirm the significance of data (e.g., mean, median, mode, range) (SI-M-B3)

33. Evaluate models, identify problems in design, and make recommendations for improvement (SI-M-B4)

34. Recognize the importance of communication among scientists about investigations in progress and the work of others (SI-M-B5)

35. Explain how skepticism about accepted scientific explanations (i.e., hypotheses and theories) leads to new understanding (SI-M-B5)

36. Explain why an experiment must be verified through multiple investigations and yield consistent results before the findings are accepted (SI-M-B5)

37. Critique and analyze their own inquiries and the inquiries of others (SI-M-B5)

38. Explain that, through the use of scientific processes and knowledge, people can solve problems, make decisions, and form new ideas (SI-M-B6)

39. Identify areas in which technology has changed human lives (e.g., transportation, communication, geographic information systems, DNA fingerprinting) (SI-M-B7)

40. Evaluate the impact of research on scientific thought, society, and the environment (SI-M-B7)