Scientific Enquiry, Scientific Process or Problem Solving? What do you Think?

Let’s test our knowledge Form groups of 5-7 using the card you were given, and choose a leader. The leader will conduct a KWL with your group using 2 flipcharts and your topic. Report to the whole group

Now lets do the feedback: 1. Scientific Process 2. Scientific Inquiry 3. Problem Solving

How does the feedback fit with the following ideas??

The Scientific Process The commonly accepted concepts and headings: Title Purpose/Aim Hypothesis/Prediction Procedure/Method Results/Data Conclusion

Now use the worksheet, “Science Investigation: Planning and Reporting” to place each heading from the previous slide on the worksheet…. (Think/Pair/Share)

Scientific Inquiry The US National Science Education Standards (NSES p Scientific Inquiry The US National Science Education Standards (NSES p. 23) defines Scientific Inquiry as “the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work.”

Scientific inquiry also refers to the activities through which students develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas.

NSTA also recommends that teachers help their students understand that "there is no fixed sequence of steps that all scientific investigations follow. Different kinds of questions suggest different kinds of scientific investigations." 

 Scientific Method  Scientific Inquiry Linear / defined order Non-Linear / fluid Answers a single posed question May end up generating more questions Results may be communicated at the conclusion of the experiment Communication is a key component throughout  

One way of thinking about this is: The Scientific Method is essential for lab reports, Scientific Inquiry is essential for scientific thinking.

Now complete the “How Do Scientists Really Work Now complete the “How Do Scientists Really Work?” by placing the possible list of statements in the table. (Checking for Understanding) (2 Step Interview) Check against the Master

What Scientists Think About What Scientists Do How to do things What to measure, what to use How many times to do something Where to find out about things Whether they are right How to prove they are right How to record, what to record What information is needed, how and where to find out, who to talk to , what to read What the information says What they need to know What is the problem, how to solve it Whether data is valid and reliable Whether they believe information Look at and think about results Draw conclusions Use equipment Measure things Make things fair Try things out Investigate Experiment Record things Draw graphs Use a computer Look at results Write reports Ask questions Make things Test things Control Variables

So What is Problem Solving So What is Problem Solving?? You have 5 minutes to produce an answer in one sentence alone. (5 minute paper)

Scientific Inquiry is the process by which scientists carry out Problem Solving. The Scientific Method is the way of ensuring the solution to the problem is reliable.

However, there is a time and a place for the formal lab write-up, and many Science Fairs require such a report at the conclusion of the investigation.  Some hints:

  Title Purpose Hypothesis (specific and supported) Materials - list Procedure (written in specific steps) Results (any observations, data tables, graphs) Conclusion     Do you accept or reject your hypothesis?     Tell your results (use numbers)     Any errors or things you could not control?     Future questions or investigations?     Connections to the real-world?

Is there a place for Scientific Inquiry or Problem Solving in Science Fairs??

How do you organize your science fairs How do you organize your science fairs? Form groups with other members of your school or groups of 3. Discuss how you organize your Science Fair. (Brainstorming)