Restating the Question “Restating the Question” Assignment 8-8-11

When you restate (or “say again”) the main idea of a question as part of your written answer, you build more exact

and complete answers AND give your reader a clear understanding of what was asked in the original question. Examples – note underlined sections:

Q: What is the chemical formula for water? A: The chemical symbol for water is H2O.

Q: How do scientists approach an investigation? A: Scientists use the scientific method to approach an investigation.

Practice restating the questions below by writing a 2-3 sentence response to each question below on a

separate sheet of paper. Include a specific example for each response:

1. What is science? 2. How does science help people? 3. Are scientific findings trustworthy? 4. What question about the natural world (earth, life, space, the way things work, etc.) would YOU

like to explore? Why?

Your answers should be numbered with questions restated and examples provided in 2-3 sentence

responses for each question. Introduction to the Nature of Science- Scottsdale Preparatory Academy

Science Binder Organization

FRONT OUTSIDE POCKET (clear): • Study guide/Homework sheet

FRONT INSIDE POCKET: • Nightly assignment items & vocabulary study aids

USE DIVIDERS TO SEPARATE SECTIONS FOR:1. Bell Work, Class Notes & Lesson Handouts2. Nightly Homework3. Tests, Quizzes & Sample Answers4. Lab Reports5. Writing & Research Papers

BACK INSIDE POCKET: • Returned work (clean out nightly)

SMALL ZIPPERED POUCH: • Calculator, small stapler, writing supplies, metric ruler, etc.

Each student will keep a self-contained science binder organized as shown below:

ANCIENT ARTHROPODS

Trilobites are remarkable, hard-shelled, segmented creatures that existed over 300 million years

ago in the Earth's ancient seas. They went extinct before dinosaurs even came into existence, and

are one of the key signature creatures of the Paleozoic Era, the first era to exhibit a proliferation of

the complex life-forms that established the foundation of life as it is today. Although dinosaurs are

the most well-known fossil life forms, trilobites are also a favorite among those familiar with

Paleontology (the study of the development of life on Earth), and are found in the rocks of all

continents.

Trilobites were among the early arthropods, a phylum of hard-shelled creatures with multiple body

segments and jointed legs (although the legs, antennae and other finer structures of trilobites only

rarely are preserved). They constitute an extinct class of arthropods, the Trilobita, made up of ten

orders, over 150 families, about 5,000 genera, and over 20,000 described species. New species of

trilobites are unearthed and described every year.

This makes trilobites the single most diverse class of extinct organisms, and within the generalized

body plan of trilobites there was a great deal of diversity of size and form. The smallest known

trilobite species is under a millimeter long, while the largest include species from 30 to over 70 cm

in length (roughly a foot to over two feet long!). W

ith such a diversity of species and sizes, speculations on the ecology of trilobites includes

planktonic, swimming, and crawling forms, and we can presume they filled a varied set of trophic

(feeding) niches, although perhaps mostly as detritivores, predators, or scavengers. Most trilobites

are about an inch long, and part of their appeal is that you can hold and examine an entire fossil

animal and turn it about in your hand. Try that with your average dinosaur!

You?

Science item?

What is it?

Functions?

Evidence?

Tests?

What is Science?

• Latin “scientia” means “knowledge”

• An investigation into nature

• A systematic way to acquire knowledge – Science uses observation & experimentation to describe and

explain natural phenomena

• Science produces useful models of reality

Two Kinds of Science

• Natural Sciences • Natural world

• Social Science • Human behavior

Natural Science

1. Life Science

2. Earth Science

3. Physical Science

Science

Natural Sciences

Life Science Earth

Science Physical Science

Social Sciences

•Biology

•Zoology

•Anatomy

•Physiology

•Geology

•Meteorology

•Oceanography

•Astronomy

•Physics

•Chemistry

Facts & Data vs. Assumptions & Inferences

• FACT – something that has actual existence

• DATA – Factual information such as measurements or statistics; a collection of facts – What are some examples of facts or data?

• ASSUMPTION– something believed or claimed to be true – What is an example of an assumption we KNOW is true?

– What is an example of an assumption we ARE NOT SURE is true?

• INFERENCE– A conclusion which comes from combining facts and/or assumptions – What are some examples of facts?

ONE Reality

but

DIFFERENT Assumptions, Tests, & Conclusions

• We observed something

• We combined facts and assumptions

• We inferred a meaning (guessed) based on our assumptions and what we saw (“evidence”) – Why not just stop here???

• We identified tests or experiments which would allow us to gather more

evidence

• Our tests would either support or reject our guess but they always give us more information

Life Science

• Investigates living things, life processes and interactions between organisms and the environment

Branches of Life Science

• Anatomy • Structure of animals

• Physiology • Functioning of organisms

• Zoology • Biology of animal kingdom

• Biology • Study of living organisms’ structure, function, behavior and changes

Earth Science

• Investigates planet Earth, it’s structure, oceans and atmosphere

Physical Science

• Investigates matter and energy of non-living systems

Branches of Physical Science

• Chemistry • Substances, properties & reactions

• Physics • Matter, energy & their interactions

Special Fields of Science

• Ecology • Environment and how it relates to organisms

• Organic Chemistry • Chemistry of compounds containing carbon

• Agriculture • Production of food & goods through farming and forestry

Note Taking • Remember: Much of material is NOT in book!

• Be deliberate: Take notes at all times today! – Note section open

– Pencil in hand

– Practice “listen/capture, listen/capture, listen/capture…”

• Open to your notes section…

Note Taking Strategies

•Outlining •Graphical Organizers (see examples

1. Bubble Map 2. Tree Map 3. Brace Map 4. Flow Map 5. Venn Diagram or Double Bubble Map

6. Others (Multiflow map, Circle Map, Bridge Map)

Science

Natural Sciences

Life Science Earth

Science Physical Science

Social Sciences

•Biology

•Zoology

•Anatomy

•Physiology

•Geology

•Meteorology

•Oceanography

•Astronomy

•Physics

•Chemistry

How Does Science Work? 1.Ask a question

2.Propose an explanation (“hypothesis”)

3.Test that explanation with an experiment

4.Gathers evidence

5.Makes inferences / draws conclusions

Northern Ireland

Geologists say that the formations were created as a result of volcanic activity some 50-60 million years ago,

during the Tertiary Period. As the molten lava hit the seawater and the air, it quickly cooled forming these strange,

polygonal columns. The stepping-stone 'appearance' is thought to have been caused by a number of lava flows

over time. The name however, was derived from a much more romantic explanation: Legend.

Folklore has it that the Causeway was built by the Ulster giant, warrior and chief of the King of Ireland's armies -

Fionn MacCumhain, or Finn McCool. Even legend, though, has its contrasting accounts. In one account, Finn was

said to be in love with a lady giant who lived on the Hebridean Island of Staffa, and that he built the Causeway in

order to safely bring her from the Scottish Island to Ulster. Interestingly, there is a similar (though a smaller)

collection of basalt stones on Staffa's coastline, and geographically, Ireland and Scotland were once much closer

than they are today.

The other legend says that Finn built the Causeway due to an ongoing argument with a Scottish giant named

Benandonner. In an argument one day, while they were shouting at each other over the Irish Sea, Finn took a

clump of earth and flung it at his enemy. The land fell in the sea and 'became' the Isle of Man, while the hole left in

Ireland 'became' Lough Neagh. As the argument continued Finn decided to build the Causeway in order to fight

Benandonner. Here again the legend diverges. One story suggests Finn was afraid of the Scottish Giant and ran

home when he saw the size of him. Looking for a place to hide he chose the baby's crib. When Benandonner saw

the size of the 'baby' he fled saying that if that was the size of the baby what size would the father be?

The other story says that Benandonner had arranged to fight Finn but when he got to Finn's house his wife said he

had been delayed. To pass the time the Scottish giant decided to play with the baby (actually Finn in disguise)

who promptly bit off the finger of his enemy, causing Benandonner to run back to Scotland howling in pain. Today,

the legends just add to the magic and the beauty of the Giant's Causeway.

How Does Science Work?

• Models reality • Why useful?

• Makes predictions about the world

• Uses testable explanations for what we observe

Science produces models of reality… but WHY are models useful?

• Represents some part of reality

• May be easier to test than in real world – Cost, time, size, safety, practicality, etc

– Can control the environment and other factors

What Makes “Good” Science?

• Good assumptions

• Good models

• Measureable & repeatable experiments

• The correct tools/technology

• Communication with other scientists

• Testable explanations

What Makes “Bad” Science

• Lack of repeatability

• Mistakes in assumptions and logic

• Missing or improper measurement

• Bias

A slanted point of view

or personal prejudice;

lack of being objective

Why are Testable Explanations Important?

• Permits repeatability

• Allows confirmation by others

• Provides clear methods & evidence

• Strengthens conclusions

Is Science Certainty?

• Does evidence support or prove an idea?

• What do we do with new information?

• Why does science change over time?

Models are used in science because they represent some part of reality and save time, space and cost. They also allow scientists to

control the environment in which they work. Models can be used to make predictions because they represent some part of reality. For

example, a plastic skeleton is a model of a human skeleton and could be used to predict how bones move. Using a this model is much easier than dissecting a human every time you need to study the movement

of bones.

8-5-08 30

Models are used in science because they represent some part of reality and save time, space and cost. They also allow scientists to

control the environment in which they work. Models can be used to make predictions because they represent some part of reality. For

example, a plastic skeleton is a model of a human skeleton and could be used to predict how bones move. Using a this model is much easier than dissecting a human every time you need to study the movement

of bones.

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32

Objectives Today

• Learn classroom processes

• Discuss tonight’s assignments

• Meet each other

• Review student, parent and teacher

responsibilities

• Review expectations

Life Science

• Investigates living things, life processes and interactions between organisms and the environment

Earth Science

• Investigates planet Earth, it’s structure, oceans and atmosphere

Physical Science

• Investigates matter and energy of non-living systems

A slanted point of view

or personal prejudice;

lack of being objective

ONE Reality

but

DIFFERENT Assumptions, Tests, & Conclusions

• We observed something

• We combined facts and assumptions

• We inferred a meaning (guessed) based on our assumptions and what we saw (“evidence”) – Why not just stop here???

• We identified tests or experiments which would allow us to gather more

evidence

• Our tests would either support or reject our guess but they always give us more information

How Does Science Work? 1.Ask a question

2.Propose an explanation (“hypothesis”)

3.Test that explanation with an experiment

4.Gathers evidence

5.Makes inferences / draws conclusions

How Does Science Work?

• Models reality • Why useful?

• Makes predictions about the world

• Uses testable explanations for what we observe

Why are Testable Explanations Important?

• Permits repeatability

• Allows confirmation by others

• Provides clear methods & evidence

• Strengthens conclusions

Models are used in science because they represent some part of reality and save time, space and cost. They also allow scientists to

control the environment in which they work. Models can be used to make predictions because they represent some part of reality. For

example, a plastic skeleton is a model of a human skeleton and could be used to predict how bones move. Using a this model is much easier than dissecting a human every time you need to study the movement

of bones.

8-5-08 41

Science produces models of reality… but WHY are models useful?

• Represents some part of reality

• May be easier to test than in real world – Cost, time, size, safety, practicality, etc

– Can control the environment and other factors

Is Science Certainty?

• Does evidence support or prove an idea?

• What do we do with new information?

• Why does science change over time?

What might scientists in each branch study? 1. Life Sciences

2. Earth Sciences

3. Physical Sciences

The Light Microscope

The Light Microscope

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Class Learning Environment

You DO NOT have the right to interfere with the well-being, learning or safety of another student Examples?

• Ancient hard-shelled, segmented sea creatures • Extinct before dinosaurs • Found in the rocks of all continents, over 20,000 different species • Size ranges from 1 millimeter to over 2 feet long (most are about an inch long)

You?

Science item?

What is it?

Functions?

Evidence?

Tests?

Was your conclusion based on facts, data, assumptions or inferences?

Self-check your

homework formatting

using the

“Minimum Writing

Requirements”

Handout…

8-5-08 54

TUTORING

• Outside of class help

• Sign up sheet in room

• Usually begins 3:30 on – Monday

– Tuesday

– Thursday

– Friday

• Ends at 4:00

Note Taking Strategies

•Outlining •Graphical Organizers (see examples

1. Bubble Map 2. Tree Map 3. Brace Map 4. Flow Map 5. Venn Diagram or Double Bubble Map

6. Others (Multiflow map, Circle Map, Bridge Map)

Science

• An investigation into nature

• A systematic way to get knowledge

• Uses observation & experimentation to describe and explain natural phenomena

• Produces useful models of reality

How Does Science Work?

• Models reality

• Makes predictions about the world

• Uses testable explanations for what we observe

Which branch would study plate tectonics?

You?

Science item?

What is it?

Functions?

Evidence?

Tests?

Trilobite

• Ancient hard-shelled, segmented sea creatures

• Paleozoic era

• Extinct before dinosaurs

• Found in the rocks of all continents, over 20,000 different species

• Size ranges from 1 millimeter to over 2 feet long (most are about an inch long)

Success = Skiing?

Science produces models of reality… but WHY are models useful?

• Represents some part of reality

• May be easier to test than in real world – Examples?

– Cost, time, size, etc

– Can control the environment and other factors

Branches of Earth Science

• Meteorology • Weather and atmosphere change

• Geology • History or earth as recorded in rocks

• Oceanography • Oceans and ocean floor

• Astronomy • Celestial bodies and universe