Nature of Science Study Guide
1. Lab Safety
Review the safety contract in your science journal and watch this humorous SchoolTube
video for a quick review: http://bit.ly/PcxS48)
2. Science Tools
http://viewpure.com/-FUPU9lo7s0 Here’s a fun music video about measuring tools.
Head to your teacher’s website to find a link to a PowerPoint that will review many
science tools and their uses.
3. Processes of Scientific Inquiry
There are a number of these. We practiced six of them in our science lab. Make sure
you can identify an example of a scientist using each of these.
• Observing – Using one or more senses to gather information about objects and/or
events.
Sounds like: I can see bubbles rising to the surface, or I hear a high‐pitched humming
noise.
• Inferring – Drawing a conclusion, based on information not directly observed, but
instead drawn from past experiences.
Sounds like: It looks like shampoo, or it feels like cotton. If the cat is purring, it is happy.
• Making Models – Developing a representation to explain an idea, object or event.
Sounds like: The model is just like a real car, or this representation shows how an
eclipse works.
• Communicating – Sharing knowledge or making information known.
Sounds like: Let me explain the results to you, or I disagree with your conclusion.
• Measuring – Observing by using standardized tools, such as rulers, balance scales,
graduated cylinders, etc., to determine a quantity.
Sounds like: I should use a thermometer to take the temperature of the water, or a
timer should be used to see how long this process takes.
• Classifying – Arranging or organizing into groups based on similarities and/or
differences.
Sounds like: All of these objects are similar, or this object does not fit in this category.
Classify the class by hair color.
4. Scientific Process/Method
Can you sequence these steps and explain what happens in each? Think of our
Scientific Process clipboard icons and notes or try recalling the lyrics to our silly science
song or steps in our paper towel experiment.
State the Problem – What you want to know stated as a testable question.
Make a Hypothesis – An educated guess or prediction of the outcome based on
previous observations and experiences.
Do an Experiment – Materials and procedures to systemically collect data and
observations in order to prove (or disprove) the hypothesis.
Analyze the Data – Display data/observations in easy to understand charts, graphs,
or tables to summarize what happened.
Make a Conclusion – State whether the hypothesis was right or wrong. Explain the
results of the experiment and offer an explanation for them. Include additional questions
or “wonderings” that have been generated.
Check out:
http://www.quia.com/pp/267559.html to try a “Scientific Process” sequencing game.
This game requires Flash. If you don’t have it on your computer, don’t worry, you can
try it at school during a review time.
5. Don’t forget to briefly look over the three branches of science in your journal,
too! We’ll be studying life, earth, and physical science this year. Are you ready?
Good luck studying!