Scientific Process Skills PDF

Scientific Process Skills q Observation and communication q Inference and prediction q Comparing and classifying q Measuring q Manipulating q Recording q Interpreting observation Observing is the fundamental science process skill. We observe objects and events using all our five senses, and t...

Scientific Process Skills q Observation and communication q Inference and prediction q Comparing and classifying q Measuring q Manipulating q Recording q Interpreting observation Observing is the fundamental science process skill. We observe objects and events using all our five senses, and this is how we learn about the world around us. The ability to make good observations is also essential to the development of the other science process skills: communicating, classifying, measuring, inferring, and predicting. The simplest observations, made using only the senses, are qualitative observations. For example, the leaf is light green in color or the leaf is smooth. communication Communication, the second of the basic science process skills, goes hand in hand with observation. Students have to communicate in order to share their observations with someone else. The communication must be clear and effective if the other person is to understand the information. Students can communicate their observations verbally, in writing, or by drawing pictures. Other methods include: graphs, charts, maps, diagrams, and visual demonstrations Inferring and predicting Unlike observations, which are direct evidence gathered about an object, inferences are explanations or interpretations that follow from the observations. For example, it is an observation to say an insect released a dark, sticky liquid from its mouth, and it is an inference to state, the insect released a dark, sticky liquid from its mouth because it is upset and trying to defend itself When we are able to make inferences, and interpret and explain events around us, we have a better appreciation of the environment around us Comparing and classifying Grouping objects or events is a way of imposing order based on similarities, differences, and interrelationships. This is an important step towards a better understanding of the different objects and events in the world. Making comparisons speak to noting similarities and differences METHODS OF CLASSIFICATION Serial ordering Binary classification Multistage classification Objects are placed into rank order based on a set of objects is simply divided into two A multi-stage classification is constructed by some property. subsets. performing consecutive binary classifications on a set of objects and then on each of the For example, This is usually done on the basis of whether ensuing subsets. students can be serial ordered according to each object has or does not have a particular height, or different breakfast cereals can be property. The familiar classifications of the animal and serial ordered according to number of plant kingdoms are examples of multi-stage calories per serving For example, classifications. animals can be classified into two groups: those with backbones and those without backbones Measuring and manipulating Measuring is really just a special case of observing and communicating. When we measure some property, we compare the property to a defined referent called a unit. A measurement statement contains two parts, a number to tell us how much or how many, and a name for the unit to tell us how much of what. The use of the number makes a measurement a quantitative observation. Measuring and manipulating Manipulation has to do with how living organisms, the apparatus and equipment are handled in the lab/ during an experiment interpreting Interpretation refers to one identifying trends and patterns based on observations. Interpretation allows you to identify problems and possible solutions, allowing you to be able to draw conclusions You may also do calculations and provide explanations for your observations Recording and reporting Recording refers to the scientist/student representing and displaying information using graphs and tables or suitable means of displaying the results obtained. Reporting has to do with documentation of the information and experiment done, in a chronological format, the steps include: üTitle üDate üAim üApparatus/materials üMethod üResults/observation üDiscussion (analysis and interpretation) üconclusion