By Tim Eddings

Certain materials are included under the fair use exemption of the U. S. Copyright Law and have been prepared according to the educational fair use guidelines.

Safety First Doing investigations in science can be fun, but you need to be sure you do them safely.

Safety Rules to Follow 1.Think ahead. Study the steps of the investigation so you know what to expect. 2. Be neat. Keep your work area clean. Keep long hair tied back and roll your sleeves up out of the way 3. Oops! If you spill or break something, or if you get hurt, Tell your teacher right away! 4. Protect your eyes! Wear safety goggles anytime you are directed to do so.

Yuck! Never eat or drink anything during a science activity unless you are told to do so by your teacher. Don’t get shocked. Never pull a plug from an outlet by pulling on the cord. Keep it clean. Always clean up your work area. Put everything away and wash your hands after your have finished.

Review page XVI in your science book. These symbols are signs for you to act safely.

When scientists try to find an answer to a question or do an experiment, they use thinking tools called the process skills. You use many of the process skills whenever you speak, listen, read, write, or think.

The Process Skills are:

We observe when we use one or more of our senses to find out about objects, events or living things. An observation is a fact learned directly through the senses. How to make an accurate observation 1.Use as many senses as you can when you observe. Never taste unless you are told to do so. 2.Think about how you can use your senses to obtain information about an object, or event. Pick up an object, feel it smell it. 3.Describe only what you observe directly with your senses. 4.Notice things that are changing. Include observations before, during and after the change.

We communicate when we give or receive information. Precise language is needed for describing an observation, reporting a measurement of interpreting data.

How to Communicate 1. Observe, then describe enough properties of an object or event so someone can identify it! 2. Describe changes in the properties of an object or event 3. Describe and order changes in the properties of an object or event. Use diagrams, charts, graphs. Writing, speaking, visuals, and photos to communicate.