Thinking as a Scientist Thinks
from “BSCS Biology: A Human Approach”, 2nd ed. 2003
July 2013
Sherry Herron
Worn out................................but data must be recorded 
You are a scientist, and you were working
late last night. While you were writing and
drawing a diagram in your journal, you nodded
off. You drew the diagram in different colors of
ink that looked similar this.
BSCS Biology: A Human Approach, 2nd ed. 2003
When you awoke, you found there was a
termite (?!) in the middle of the diagram. You
watched the termite’s response to the ink on the
page, and it made you wonder. Next, you called
in your friend, who is also a scientist. Together
you made a prediction about what the termite
was doing.
BSCS Biology: A Human Approach, 2nd ed. 2003
Thinking as a Scientist Thinks
• Record at least 3 questions that come to mind as
you watch your termite.
• Select 1 question you might be able to answer
through experimentation.
• Record what you predict the termite will do and
explain why your prediction is reasonable.
• Design an experiment to test your prediction.
• Save all test diagrams and record your
observations.
BSCS Biology: A Human Approach, 2nd ed. 2003
Thinking as a Scientist Thinks
• Use the information and observations that you
gather to develop a possible explanation for what
you observe and a possible answer to your
question. Include any additional questions that
come up while you are experimenting.
• Report out to the class:
– The question you tested.
– The results you obtained.
– The explanation you concluded.
BSCS Biology: A Human Approach, 2nd ed. 2003
Thinking as a Scientist Thinks
• Participate in a class discussion of the questions,
experiments, and ideas about termites.
• Read the terms below and identify two additional
terms that could be used to describe the way
scientists think:
Explanation evidence prediction logic
• Write a paragraph in your journal to summarize
the statement, “Science is a Way of Knowing”.
Include the four terms above the two terms that
you added.
BSCS Biology: A Human Approach, 2nd ed. 2003
Elaborate Options
• Nature of Science extension:
– Scientists observe without making any judgment.
– Scientific observation are objective and value free.
– If two scientists run the same experiment and have
similar observations, they will develop the same
explanation for the results.
• Scientific Method: hypothesis, independent
variables, dependent variables, controls,
constants, etc.
• Inductive and Deductive Logic
• Constructing Data Tables and Graphs
BSCS Biology: A Human Approach, 2nd ed. 2003
Elaborate Options
• Biology: Animal Behavior, Adaptations,
Insects, Termites, Endocrine Glands,
Pheromones
• Chemistry: unsaturated aliphatic alcohol
(3Z,6Z,8E)-3,6,8-dodecatrien-1-ol and the
diterpene (E,E,E)-neocembrene, glycol,
phthalates
Evaluate Options
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Lab report
Journal entries, summary, and reflection
Oral Poster Presentation
Video, Power Point, Prezi,
Resources
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http://www.sbs.utexas.edu/jcabbott/courses/bio208web/lectures/scimethod/trail
_following_of_termites.htm
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/termites-eat-chinese-woman-savings65-000-article-1.1372721
HowStuffWorks "How Termites Work"
www.howstuffworks.com/termite.htm by Tracy Wilson - in 215 Google+ circles
Termites have existed for 50 million years and can be found throughout the world.
Learn about termites and find out how termite colonies are structured.
Termites - Facts About Termites - Types of Termites ...
www.pestworldforkids.org/termites.html
Learn all about termites, facts about termites and different types
of termites. Termite colonies eat non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
Termites - BioKIDS - University of Michigan
www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Isoptera/
Termites are found in dark, damp areas whereby they are not exposed to air. They
require a source of moisture to survive. In temperate regions, they are found in ...
5E Instructional Model is based on
Constructivist Learning Theory
1. Engage: Instruction engages students with questions and creates curiosity. The
teacher assesses students’ prior knowledge about the content.
2. Explore: Teacher provides situation and gives directions for exploration (i.e. lab
experiment or activity). Teacher provides time for students to complete the
work. Students make predictions and gather data.
3. Explain: The teacher encourages the learners’ to explain what they learned.
The teacher introduces new terms, ideas and explanations.
4. Elaborate: The teacher encourages learners to apply the new knowledge to
investigate further and helps students to practice the new knowledge.
5. Evaluate: The teacher observes students performance to assess their
understanding. Students are expected to apply their new knowledge and skills
as they perform.
(Bybee et al. 2006)
Our Fellows do Science!
• PLEASE share your knowledge, skills, and
enthusiasm for science. BE A MENTOR!!!
Intel International Science
and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
•Administered for over 60 years by Science Service,
www.sciserv.org, one of the most respected non-profit
organizations advancing the cause of science.
•Intel Corp commits more than $3 million annually to
promote the competition.
•Intel ISEF finalists come from a field of more than
65,000 students who participated in more than 550
Intel ISEF-affiliated science fairs around the world.
•More than 1,500 young competitors, grades 9-12,
come from 65 countries, regions, and territories.
ISEF Stats:
•Special awards worth more than $1.5 million (including
scholarships, internships, field trips, and lab equipment) are
provided by nearly 80 sponsors.
•Over 800 prizes and more than $4 million in awards and
scholarships given.
•Top Prize: Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award, given to
three finalists, each receives a $50,000 college scholarship
•2008 Winner Natalie Saranga Omattage from the
Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science developed
a biosensor capable of detecting food contaminants.
Natalie Omattage: a 2008 Grand Prize
Winner – from Mississippi!
ISEF Stats:
• 18 Best of Category prizes go to the top-scoring
student in each project category. Each student receives
a $5,000 scholarship and a computer, with the
student’s school and fair director receiving $1,000 for
science and math education.
•Grand awards are given for 1st ($3,000), 2nd ($1,500),
3rd ($1,000), and 4th ($500) place projects in each
category.
http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/
Let’s check it out!
Mississippi Science
and Engineering Fair
Each year…
• >7000 students in MS participate in regional
competitions (7 in MS).
• >500 high school students participate at the
state level.
• >25 winners participate at International SEF
• MISSISSIPPI STUDENTS ALWAYS DO WELL
Nuts and Bolts
• Prepare
– Plan your project with a mentor
– Get approval. Use ISEF Rules Wizard.
– Conduct research
– Prepare presentation
• School must register. Teacher submits abstract
forms.
• Students compete.
Very Important Websites 
• http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/
• http://www.usm.edu/science-math-education