Unit 02  Science and Engineering Processes

I understand that the science and engineering processes provide a systematic way to investigate my world.

Target 02-01 I can explain the difference between scientific models, scientific theories, scientific laws, and scientific facts.

“I can” statements:

     02-01 a: Compare and contrast scientific laws to scientific theories and give examples of each.

     02-01 b: Explain how scientific laws and scientific theories evolve over time and give examples of ones that have been disproved.

     02-01 c: Give examples of different ways scientific modeling and engineering prototypes are used.

     02-01 d: Use a flowchart model to compare and contrast the scientific method and the engineering method

     02-01 d: Explain how hypotheses, predictions, and scientific facts are used to construct scientific theories, laws, and models.

     02-01 e: Explain how scientific facts change with new technologies and give an example.

Target 02-02 I can use the science and engineering practices to design and conduct controlled experiments.

“I can” statements

     02-02 a: Compare and contrast predictions and hypotheses.

     02-02 b: Clearly define a problem and write a testable, unbiased hypothesis.

     02-02 c: Identify independent variables, dependent variables, and controlled variables (constants).

     02-02 d: Define the experimental groups and control groups in a controlled experiment.

     02-02 e: Collect quantitative data and organize it into tables.  Collect qualitative data.

     02-02 f: Separate measured data from calculated information.

Target 02-03 I can use math and graphs to compare variables that I have observed in an investigation. (Analyze Data)

“I can” statements

     02-03 a: Determine the appropriate graph style for the type of data presented.

     02-03 b: Analyze data with a circle graph (pie chart).

     02-03 c: Analyze data with a bar chart or histogram.

     02-03 d: Analyze data with a curve-fit line graph.

     02-03 e: Analyze data with a scatter plot line-of-best-fit and calculate slope.

     02-03 f:  Use funneling down to show the work of analyzing data with math (average, percent, angle of a circle).

     02-04 g. Use a graph to find a relationship between the data (directly proportional, inversely proportional).

Target 02-04 I can write using a style appropriate for science.

“I can” statements

     02-04 a: Produce a lab report document using appropriate grammar, punctuation, and document formatting.

     02-04 b: Provide a detailed list of materials used and a labeled apparatus.

     02-04 c: Clearly describe the procedure in third person, past tense including the variables, groups, and constants.

     02-04 d: Present data in tables, math using funneling down, and describe the analysis of graphed data in a paragraph.

     02-04 e: Draw conclusions relating the data to the hypothesis and make a claim as to the answer to the problem question. Support the claim with evidence from the data and analysis.

Baloney Detection Kit - How to you establish TRUTH in a claim?

I can produce a lab report in a style of writing appropriate for science:

        Title and Header

        Problem Statement in question form

Prediction 

        Hypothesis in cause and effect format indicating the relationship between the changing variables

        Procedure is written in third person, past tense and clearly describes the design of the experiment.  Clearly defines the variables, groups, and constants.

        Presents both quantitative and qualitative data.  Qualitative data is written in paragraph form, third person, past tense.

        Analyzes data in graphs and charts.  Includes a paragraph of the pertinent information for each graph (title of graph, type of graph, axes variables with units, graph relationship if appropriate, slope of the line if the line is a linear relationship, and interpretation).

       Calculations for slope and any other math (averages or volumes) are represented in funneling down format and/or dimensional analysis style.

       Conclusion relates hypothesis to data, makes a claim and supports it with evidence.