The PROBLEM and the STANDARDS
PROBLEM: The “Problem” is a question that can be answered by performing an experiment.
STANDARD 1 Analysis, Inquiry and Design
S1.1a formulate questions about natural phenomena
S1.1b identify appropriate references to investigate a question
S1.1c refine and clarify questions so that they are subject to scientific investigation.
S1.2 Construct explanations independently for natural phenomena, especially by proposing preliminary visual models of phenomena.
M3.1a use appropriate scientific tools to solve problems about the natural world.
STANDARD 6 Models
2.1 Select an appropriate model to begin the search for answers or solutions to a question or problem.
The HYPOTHESIS and the STANDARDS
HYPOTHESIS: The Hypothesis answers the question posed by the Problem. It is a prediction that is based on evidence: “IF I set up x conditions , THEN y will happen ; because of evidence z.
STANDARD 1: Analysis, Inquiry and Design
S1.2a independently formulate a hypothesis
S1.2b propose a model of a natural phenomenon
M1.1a identify independent and dependent variables.
MATERIALS, PROCEDURES, and the STANDARDS
MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES: Students must plan in detail what they will need to carry out the experiment and what steps they will take.
STANDARD 1—Analysis, Inquiry, and Design
M1.1a identify independent and dependent variables.
M3.1a use appropriate scientific tools to solve problems about the natural world.
S2.2 Develop, present, and defend formal research proposals for testing their own explanations of common phenomena, including ways of obtaining needed observations and ways of conducting simple controlled experiments.
S2.2a include appropriate safety procedures
S2.2b design scientific investigations
S2.2c design a simple controlled experiment
S2.2d identify independent variables, dependent variables, and constants in a simple controlled experiment.
S2.2e choose appropriate sample size and number of trials
S3.1 Design charts, tables, graphs, and other representations of observations in conventional and creative ways to help them address their research question or hypothesis.
STANDARD 6 –Models
2.2 Use models to study processes that cannot be studied directly (e.g., when the real process is too slow, too fast, or too dangerous for direct observation.
2.3 Demonstrate the effectiveness of different models to represent the same thing and the same model to represent different things.
The EXPERIMENT and the STANDARDS
THE EXPERIMENT
During the laboratory experiment, students carry out the procedure and collect the data.
STANDARD 1 Analysis, Inquiry, and Design
S2.1 Use conventional techniques and those of their own design to make further observations and refine their explanations, guided by a need for more information.
S2.1a demonstrate appropriate safety techniques
S2.1b conduct an experiment designed by others
S2.1c design and conduct an experiment to test a hypothesis
S2.1d use appropriate tools and conventional techniques to solve problems abut the natural world, including
Measuring
Observing
Describing
Classifying
Sequencing
S2.3 Carry out their research proposals, recording observations and measurements.
S2.3a use appropriate procedures
S2.3b conduct a scientific investigation
S2.3c collect quantitative and qualitative data
STANDARD 2 Information Systems
1.4 Collect data to measure events and phenomena
1.4a collect data using appropriate tools
ANALYSIS OF DATA and the STANDARDS
ANALYSIS OF DATA: Students must organize their data into diagrams, charts, tables, graphs, etc. so that their observations are easier to understand and interpret.
STANDARD 1 Analysis, Inquiry, and Design
M1.1 Extend mathematical notation and symbolism to include variables and algebraic expressions in order to describe and compare quantities and express mathematical relationships.
M1.1b identify relationships among variables including: direct, indirect, cyclic, constant, identify non-related material.
M1.1c apply mathematical equations to describe relationships among variable in t he natural world.
M2.1a interpolate and extrapolate data
M2.1b quantify patterns and trends
S3.1 (SEE MATERIALS AND PROCEDURE)
S3.1a organize results, using appropriate graphs, diagrams, data tables, and other models to show relationships
S3.1b generate and use scales, create legends and appropriately label axes
S3.2 Interpret the organized data to answer the research question or hypothesis and to gain insight into the problem
S3.2a accurately describe the procedures used and the data gathered
S3.2b identify sources of error and the limitations of data collected
S3.2h use and interpret graphs and data tables
STANDARD 2 Information Systems
1.4 Collect data to measure events and phenomena
1.4b organize data
2.1 Understand the need to question the accuracy of data
2.1a critically analyze data to exclude erroneous information
2.1b identify and explain sources of error in a data collection
STANDARD 6 Magnitude and Scale
3.1 Cite examples of how different aspects of natural and designed systems change at different rates with changes in scale.
3.2 Use powers of ten notation to represent very small and very large numbers.
STANDARD 6 Equilibrium and Stability
4.2 Describe changes within equilibrium cycles in terms of frequency or cycle length and determine the highest and lowest values and when they occur.
STANDARD 6 Patterns of Change
5.1 Use simple linear equations to represent how a parameter changes with time.
5.2 Observe patterns of change in trends or cycles and make predictions on what might happen in the future.
THE CONCLUSION and the STANDARDS
STANDARD 1 Analysis, Inquiry, and Design
M2.1 Use inductive reasoning to construct evaluate and validate conjectures and arguments, recognizing that patterns and relationships can assist in explaining and extending mathematical phenomena.
S3.2 Interpret the organized data to answer the research question or hypothesis and to gain insight into the problem.
S3.2c evaluate the original hypothesis in light of the data
S3.2d formulate and defend explanations and conclusions as they relate to scientific phenomena
S3.2e form and defend a logical argument about cause-and-effect relationships in an investigation
S3.2f make predictions based on experimental data
S3.2g suggest improvements and recommendations for further studying
S3.3 Modify their personal understanding of phenomena based on evaluation of their hypothesis.
S1.2c differentiate among observations, inferences, predictions and explanations
STANDARD 2 Information Systems
1.4 Collect data to measure events and phenomena
1.4c use collected data to communicate a scientific concept
RESEARCH and the STANDARDS
RESEARCH/REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE: Students read about concepts related to their investigation and write a short research paper on the topic.
STANDARD 2 Information Systems
1.1 Use a range of equipment and software to integrate several forms of information in order to create good-quality audio, video, graphic, and text-based presentations.
1.2 Use spreadsheets and database software to collect, process, display, and analyze information. Students access needed information from electronic databases and online telecommunication services.
1.3 Systematically obtain accurate and relevant information pertaining to a particular topic from a range of sources, including local and national media, libraries, museums, governmental agencies, industries, and individuals.
2.1 Understand the need to question the accuracy of information displayed on a computer because the results produced by a computer may be affected by incorrect data entry.
The REPORT and the STANDARDS:
STANDARD 1 Analysis, Inquiry, and Design
S1.3 Represent, present, and defend their proposed explanations of everyday observations so that they can be understood and assessed by others.
S1.4 Seek to clarify, to assess critically, and to reconcile with their own thinking the ideas presented by others, including peers, teachers, authors, and scientists.
STANDARD 2 Information Systems
3.1 Use graphical, statistical, and presentation software to present projects to fellow classmates.
