Science Process Skills

Source: The American Association for the Advancement of Science

BASIC SKILLS
Observing Using the 5 senses (see, hear, touch, smell, taste) to find out about objects and events, their characteristics, properties, differences, similarities, and changes

Observations are recorded.

Classifying Grouping or ordering objects or events according to similarities or differences in properties

Lists, tables, or charts are generated.

Measuring Comparing an unknown quantit with a known (metric units, time, student! generated frames of reference) ! "bservations are quantified using proper measuring devices and techniques

Measurements are to be recorded in an orderly and systematic fashion with labeled units of measure. Charts, gra hs, or tables can be generated manually or with com uter software.

Inferring #nterpreting or e$plaining observations

More than one inference may be resented to e! lain an observation.

Predicting %orming an idea of an e$pected result ! not a guess ! but a belief of what will occur based upon present knowledge and understandings, observations and inferences

A rediction should be followed by a written or oral e! lanation to clarify ideas and reveal any misconce tions or missing information.

Communicating

Using the written and spoken work, graphs, demonstrations, drawings, diagrams, or tables to transmit information and ideas to others

To reflect the true nature of science, ideas must be shared& umber !elations"i#s

Using

'ppl ing numbers and their mathematical relationships to make decisions

"umbers are basic to science # mathematical $nowledge is a

lied.

I $%&!A$%' SKILLS Making Models Constructing mental, verbal, or ph sical representations of ideas, objects, or events to clarif e$planations or demonstrate relationships&

Constructing models hel s clarify ideas.

'efining O#erationally Creating a definition b describing what is done and observed

%t is in the language of the students. &efinitions are in conte!t of students' e! eriences # not from the glossary, not to be memori(ed.

Collecting 'ata Gathering and recording information about observations and measurements in a s stematic wa Inter#reting 'ata "rgani(ing, anal (ing, and s nthesi(ing data using tables, graphs, and diagrams to locate patterns that lead to the construction of inferences, predictions, or h potheses& Identifying and Controlling (ariables )anipulating one factor to investigate the outcome of an event while other factors are held constant&

)oung children become confused with multi le variables. Students need ractice in identifying variables that affect outcomes.

)ormulating *y#ot"eses +*y#ot"esi,ing)aking educated guesses based on evidence that can be tested through e$perimentation& %.#erimenting *esigning one+s own e$periment to test a h pothesis using procedures to obtain reliable data

All basic and integrated s$ills to formulate a roblem, collect data, and ose a solution are used. &oing a teacher#orchestrated science activity is "OT e! erimenting. Student demonstrates understanding and a lication of scientific method though in*uiry, research and self#design of e! eriment to test a hy othesis. !eturn to ,C#-.C- /-,,". 0/'. %"1)'2/