Understanding the Science MSP Mark Watrin Science Coordinator ESD112 Planning Investigations Plan different kinds of investigations, including field studies, systematic observations, models, and controlled experiments. Carry out investigations by using instruments, observing, recording, and drawing evidence- based conclusions Answer questions by explaining observations of the natural world. K

Preconceptions :Three – Two - One Three Inquiry Standards that will be answered as a two point questions Two Inquiry standards that will be only Multiple Choice One inquiry standard that will not be tested

Inquiry? Ask Questions Plan Investigations Collect Data Repeat for reliability Understand Models Emphasize Evidence Communicate results Be honest 2 point possibilities Plan an investigation Understand models Evidence for Conclusion Evidence for Explanations Standards MSP NA = work collaboratively, create a model, respond non-defensively to questions

How Did They Do? Puddle Problem – Write a Conclusion Puddle Problem Multiple Choice 92% Identify the Measured Variable 83% Identify the Controlled Variable 77% Reason for multiple trials Still Struggling on Short Answer Questions

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4 Parts Design a controlled experiment Design a Field Investigation Write a Conclusion Understanding Models

Plan an Investigation Controlled Experiment Field Study Test and Item Specifications

Controlled Variables are inferred in 5 th grade 5th

Test & Item Specifications

Example of Logical Steps

Inquiry Guide Attribute Points Logical Steps Manipulated Variable Responding Variable Record Data Multiple Trials

Inquiry in Your Science Kit Animal Runways Flood Yeast & Vitamin C Melting Matter

Field Investigation – NEW ITEM Attributes = 5 Logical Steps 2 Conditions compared Data to be Collected Record Measurements Observations are repeated

From OSPI - Templates

Comparison Opportunities Animals 2x2/organisms New Plants Insects Air and Weather/Weather Human Body Environments/Ecosystems Diversity of Life Goldfish & Guppies Rye grass & oats Mealworms & wax worms Weather conditions Owl pellets Terrariums & Aquariums Pond water organisms

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In Conclusion (1)Conclusive statement (2)Supporting data: reported data are the lowest and highest conditions (1)Explanatory language, connect or compare the supporting data to the conclusive statement

2012 Update Documents 3 or 4 = 2 Conclusive Statement High Data Low Data Explanatory Language

How well do students write conclusions? High data Low data scored 2 points

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“ But wait, there’s more!” Models

Example What real object is this a model showing? What is accurate about the model What is inaccurate about the model?

What is this a model of? What science principle is modeled? How is the model accurate? How is the model inaccurate?

Models in your science kits Carts Stream Table Terrarium Aquarium

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