Scientific Process SkillsScientific Process Skills

Ms. Tipple 7Ms. Tipple 7thth & 8 & 8thth grade Science grade Science

ObservingObserving

•Refers to use of 5 senses Refers to use of 5 senses to gather data about to gather data about objects & eventsobjects & events

ClassifyingClassifying Involves grouping objects or Involves grouping objects or

events according to similar events according to similar characteristics (e.g., shape, characteristics (e.g., shape, color, size)color, size)

CommunicatingInvolves use of spoken &

written words, graphs, drawings & diagrams to share information & ideas

Using Space/Time Relationships Involves developing an

awareness of phenomena & events outside of one’s immediate environment (e.g., which soap has longest lasting bubble, which molecules are farther apart)

MeasuringMeasuring Scientists gather & share Scientists gather & share

data about the world by data about the world by using common standards using common standards of measurement (e.g., of measurement (e.g., length, mass, volume, length, mass, volume, time).time).

Using Numbers

•Quantification is the essence of science, the ability to describe the world numerically is basic to all scientific endeavors

Formulating HypothesesFormulating Hypotheses

Scientific explanation Scientific explanation that can be tested & is that can be tested & is a key skill in the a key skill in the scientific methodscientific method

Writing if-then Writing if-then statementsstatements

InferringInferring Logical thought process to show a Logical thought process to show a

relationship between two or more relationship between two or more observationsobservations

Predicting

Forecasting future events based on observations & inferences

Experimenting•Combines all of the process skills used in conducting a scientific investigation

Forming Models A model is a verbal structure of graphic

representation of the physical world. Scientists develop models as a way of describing the world, then test & refine those models as more information becomes available

Interpreting DataInvolves the analysis &

synthesis of data to support or refute a hypothesis

Independent variable

Something that the scientist changes Ask yourself “What is changing?”

Dependent Variable

What is being measured?

control

What is staying the same?