1. Science in the Elementary School Educ 337 with Dr. Jennifer Cady
Amy Clark
Graphic Organizer #2, Chapter 2
1/13/12

2. Science Processes… Observations Classifying
Use all the senses to gather more information
Ask questions that may lead to new ?’s
Detailed observations will emerge after awhile
Great opportunity to use wonder charts!
Use qualitative and quantitative (such as measurement) observations
Access tools if available
Make note of changes in what’s being observed
Communicate observations in reports, journal, charts, pictures, drawings, etc.
Ongoing, lifelong task
Classifying
Recognize & identify relationships among properties
Binary classification system – set of objects divided into 2 groups, depending on property
Multistage classification system – objects can be sorted again and again (Figure 2-1 on pg 33 provides great example)
Investigate and ask questions about similar properties of objects
Keeping records – use journals, notice/wonder charts, develop focus ?’s
Communication helps students organize their data and observations and “see” the whole picture. Data tables show patters, bar graphs show differences, histograms show # of times a # event occurs. Line graphs are used in 4th grade and above, response to dependent variable.
It can be difficult for young kids to distinguish btw observations & inference . For observations – prompt them with, “What sense did you use in making that observations?” For inference , ask, “What is your evidence?” (Bass, pp. 34)
This is key!
Students should use measurement in observation process – it helps enhance descriptions, improve quality of predictions. First grade – use some nonstandard units, 2nd grade – use standard units. .
Descriptive investigations – answer ?’s of the properties and actions of objects, events, systems.
Classificatory investigations – focus on sorting and grouping in regards to 1 or more properties.
Experimental investigations – use experimental procedures to test and form hypotheses and generate explanations (Bass, pp. 43).
Refer to Table 2-4 for more details of investigations. Page 44.
Hypothesis - a statement or prediction, answers a ?, evidence to support/refute it. Characterized by if, then words.
Predicting is a forecast of a future outcome
Reference:
Bass, J., Contant, T., & Carin, A (2009). Teaching Science as Inquiry (11th Ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall I
Inferring:
An interpretation is based on previous knowledge and experience (Bass, pp. 34).
Do Activity 2-2 on page 34. Based on prior knowledge, Choice D is the correct answer.