Branches and Jobs In Science and Good Science Discussion

3 Main Branches of Science Life Science –The study of living things –7 th grade –Biology, ecology Physical Science –The study of matter and energy –8 th grade –Physics, chemistry Earth Science –The study of the earth and other planets –9 th grade –Astronomy, meteorology, oceanography

Degrees in Science –A.A.S. is an Associate of Applied Science 1 to 2 years after high school Less money, but more jobs –B.S. is a Bachelor of Science 4 to 5 years after high school More money than high school education –M.S. is a Master of Science 1 to 4 years after a B.S. More money, but less jobs available –Ph.D is a Doctor of Philosophy 4 to 8 years after a B.S. More money, but less jobs available

Degrees in Science (con’t) –M.D. is a Medical Doctor 4 years after a B.S. The doctor you visit when you are sick –D.D.S. is a Doctor of Dental Surgery 4 years after a B.S. The dentist –D.V.M. is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 4 years after a B.S. The doctor you visit when your pet is sick

Jobs/People in Science –Scientists (M.S., Ph.D) Discover new things Discover and describe new laws in science –Engineers (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.) Use existing discoveries to improve our lives Use science to improve existing products –Technicians (Certificate, A.A.S., B.S., M.S.) Install, repair, fix, and/or maintain equipment

Good Science Class Discussion Asking Questions: Level 1 Questions Level 2 Questions Level 3 Questions

Good class discussions involve: Active listening of every student Staying on topic Students who courageously share their ideas Focusing on Level 2 and 3 Questions Students responding to other students Students asking questions of other students Allowing others to share their points Challenging the ideas of others in a respectful way

Don’t play guess what is on the teacher’s mind. I want to hear what you think. Your ideas and questions are important!!!

Level 1 Questions ask to recall facts and information. These questions have specific answers. Words typically used: define, recall, recognize, remember, who, what, where, when, describe, compare, contrast, rephrase, put in your own words, explain the main idea Ex: If we are discussing elements and the periodic table, you may ask: “What is the symbol for hydrogen?” “What is the name of the first column of elements?”

Level 2 Questions ask about extensions and applications of the topic. Words typically used: apply, classify, use, choose, employ,write and example, solve, how many, which, what is, identify motives/causes, draw conclusions, determine evidence, support, analyze, why Ex: If we are discussing characteristics of the tundra biome, you may ask: “Why is it so cold?” “What housing and clothes do human need to live there?”

Level 3 Questions ask how to use the information to go beyond the topic. These questions have no specific answer. Words typically used: predict, produce, write, design, develop, synthesize, construct, how can we improve, what would happen if, can you devise, how can we solve. Ex: If we are discussing fossil fuels: “What are some alternatives to gasoline?” “How will our society need to change when gasoline is gone in a few years?”