Science and Technology Chapter 1 Section 1  Learning Targets:  1) I can identify skills scientists use to learn about the world.  2) I can describe the attitudes that are important in science.

Thinking Like a Scientist  Scientists use skills such as observing, inferring, predicting, classifying, making models to learn more about the world.

Observing  Observing means using one or more of your senses to gather information.  You depend on your observations to make decisions during the day.  Observations can be quantitative or qualitative.  Quantitative observations deal with a number or amount.  Qualitative observations deal with descriptions that cannot be expressed in numbers.

Inferring  You are inferring when you explain or interpret things that you observe.  Inferences are based on reasoning from what you already know.

Predicting  Predicting means making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on past experiences or evidence  Predicting is part of your everyday thinking and predictions are not always correct.

Predicting  Predicting and inferring are closely related.  Inferences are attempting to explain what is happening or already has happened.  Predictions are forecasts of what will happen

Classifying  Classifying is the process of grouping together items that are alike in some way.  Classifying things helps scientists stay organized and makes them easier to study.

Making Models  Making models involves creating representations of complex objects or processes  Models help people study and understand things that are complex

Scientific Attitudes  Science is a way of learning about the natural world.  Successful scientists possess five similar characteristics.  1. Curiosity: A scientist is curious to learn about the topics they study.  2. Honesty: A scientist will always report their observations and results truthfully.  3. Open Mindedness: A scientist must be capable of accepting new and different ideas.

Scientific Attitudes  4. Creativity: A scientist may need to come up with inventive ways to solve problems or produce new things.  5. Skepticism: Having an attitude of doubt.