Unit: Science & Technology Lesson #1 Science and the Natural World Essential Question: What skills do scientists use?

What skills do scientists use? Using one or more of your senses to gather Observing information Two types: An observation that deals with numbers Quantitative An observation that deals with descriptions Qualitative Qualitative observation: The mother is holding her babies. Quantitative observation: There are three chimps in the photo.

3.) Making a statement about Predicting what will happen in the future based on past experience or evidence Observation: The chimp looks angry. Prediction: The chimp might attack, throw rocks or shake trees.

2.) When you explain Inferring things that have happened or are happening based on reasoning from what you know Observation: The chimp is using the stem to look in the termite mound. Inference: There is something in the hole that the chimp wants.

4.) Grouping together of items that are Classifying alike in some way

5.) Comparing observations and data Evaluating to reach a conclusion The bar graph allows scientists to evaluate data. They can conclude that chimps mostly fruit.

6.) Creating representations of complex Making models objects or processes Examples: Maps Mathematical equations Computer programs A map is a model because it represents a large area.