1. Chapter 1 Studying Science
Section 1.1
Science Skills and Methods

2. OBJECTIVES Identify & use science skills
Describe a controlled experiment
STANDARDS
S4a-Big ideas and unifying concepts
S5a-Frames questions to distinguish cause and effect; and identifies or controls variables in experimental and non-experimental research settings

3. Science Skills
Observation-Use one or more of your senses to get information about your surroundings
Extend observations using microscopes, telescopes, thermometers, & rulers

4. Infer
Apply reason to explain an observation

5. Estimate Make a careful guess
Used when exact measurements are not available

6. Measure
Describe an observation exactly by comparing it to standard units
Include both a number and unit

7. Predict State what you think might happen in the future
Based on past experiences and observations
Include reasons why

8. Classify Group things together based on how they are alike
Group by size, color, smell, texture, shape, or any other characteristic

9. Hypothesize
Suggest an answer to a problem based on information that is known

10. Record & Organize Record all observations, measurements, predictions
Organize data in tables, charts, diagrams, flow charts

11. Analyze Look for trends or patterns
Does data support inference, prediction, & hypothesis?

12. Experiments
Process of testing a hypothesis by gathering data under controlled conditions

13. Controlled Experiment
Compares a control group with an experimental group
Control group-standard group used to compare any change
Experimental group-all factors except one are kept the same

14. Experimental Factors Constants-factors that are kept the same
Variable-factor that is changed by the person doing the experiment
See page 7, Fig. 1.5