unit 1 lesson 2 scientific investigations ms. grant copyright © houghton mifflin harcourt...

Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations

Ms. Grant

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company


Florida Benchmarks• SC.7.N.1.1 Define a problem from the seventh

grade curriculum, use appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigation of various types, such as systematic observations of experiments, identify variables, collect and organize data, interpret data in charts, tables, and graphics, analyze information, make predictions, and defend conclusions.


Florida Benchmarks


• SC.7.N.1.2 Differentiate replication (by others) from repetition (multiple trials).

• SC.7.N.1.3 Distinguish between an experiment (which must involve the identification and control of variables) and other forms of scientific investigation and explain that not all scientific knowledge is derived from experimentation.

• SC.7.N.1.4 Identify test variables (independent variables) and outcome variables (dependent variables) in an experiment.


Florida Benchmarks


• SC.7.N.1.5 Describe the methods used in the pursuit of a scientific explanation as seen in different fields of science such as biology, geology, and physics.

• LA.6.4.2.2 The student will record information (e.g., observations, notes, lists, charts, legends) related to a topic, including visual aids to organize and record information and include a list of sources used.

Remember Our Lesson Goals!!!

1. How are scientific investigations conducted?

2. What are the processes and characteristics of different kinds of scientific investigations?


What are some types of scientific investigations?

• Two basic types of scientific investigations are experiments and observations. (hmmm learning goal??)

• Experiments are often based on observations.


What are some types of scientific investigations?• An experiment is a procedure applied

systematically under controlled conditions.

• Many experiments are done in a laboratory, where variables are easier to control.

• Experiments are also done in the field, where it is easier to show how certain processes act in nature.



What are some types of scientific investigations?

• An Observation is the process of obtaining information by using the senses.

• Making a model may be part of a scientific investigation.

• Models are useful for studying things that are very small, large, or complex.




What are some parts of scientific investigations?

• Scientific investigations share certain basic elements.

• A hypothesis is a testable explanation that leads to a scientific investigation.

• To be useful, a hypothesis has to be testable in a practical and meaningful way.


What are some parts of scientific investigations?• The factors that change in a scientific investigation

are called the variables.

• An independent variable is also called the test variable, and is the factor that is deliberately changed in the experiment.

• A dependent variable is also called the outcome variable, and is any factor that is changed so that it can be tested.

The dependent variable changes based on the independent variable.



What are some parts of scientific investigations?• Data are information gathered by observation or

experimentation that can be used in calculating or reasoning.

• Scientists analyze data to understand the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable.

• Based on their analysis of the data, scientists draw conclusions about the hypothesis.



What are some scientific methods?

•Defining a problem

•Forming a hypothesis and making predictions

•Planning an investigation

During a scientific investigation a scientist would most likely define the problem for investigation first.



What are some scientific methods?

• Identifying variables

• Collecting and organizing data

• Interpreting data and analyzing information

• Drawing and defending conclusions




What are some characteristics of good scientific investigations?(hmmm learning goal??)

• Certain checks help ensure that good scientific practices are followed.

• Experiments must be verified by repetition and replication.

• Results must be reviewed by other scientists not involved in the investigation.

Repetition of trials increases the accuracy of the results.


As scientists learned more, they modified the atomic model.

Based on Ms. Grant’s data, which question is she most likely trying to answer?

The answer is….How does the angle of the throw affect how far the shot goes?

Soooooooooo what information can we use to answer our learning goals????

unit 1 lesson 2 scientific investigations ms. grant copyright © houghton mifflin harcourt...

Documents

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scientific explanation

scientific understanding

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scientific knowledge

lesson goals

control of variables

record information