1. Introduction 8th Grade Science
What is Science?
Introduction
8th Grade Science

2. What is Science? What is Science to you?
With a partner, write 3 things down that describe Science. (You have 5 minutes)
What separates Science from other subjects like English and Social Studies?
Discuss this with the same partner. (You have 3 minutes)

3. Definition of Science
Science is the study of the physical and natural world through OBSERVATION and EXPERIMENT

4. Observation & Experiment
Observation is the process of noticing something, especially significant details.
Experiment is the procedure used to make a discovery (Testing a hypothesis)

5. The 5 Disciplines of Science
Science is broken down into 5 major disciplines (categories).
What do you think they are? (Take 2 minutes to brainstorm with your table)
Geology
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics

6. The 5 Disciplines of Science
Geology – The study of the Earth
Biology – The study of life
Chemistry – The study of matter and how it changes
Physics – The study of matter and energy
Mathematics – The study of numbers and patterns

7. Physical Sciences
Geology (Earth Science), Chemistry, and Physics are all Physical Sciences.
Chemistry is the study of matter and how matter changes.
Physics is the study of how matter moves through pace and time.

8. Thinking Like a Scientist
What is Science part Duex

9. Thinking Like a Scientist
Scientists use many skills to solve the mysteries of the world.
Posing questions
Making Observations & Inferences
Developing Hypotheses
Designing Experiments
Making Measurements
Collecting Data and then interpreting it
Drawing Conclusions and communicating them.

10. Thinking Like a Scientist
Observations
Making an observation involves using one or more senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing) to notice something specific about an object
Inferences
Making an inference is when an observation is interpreted.
Use your observations with your knowledge to figure out something new

11. Observations & Inferences
Observation and Inference Example:
While studying dolphins, I observed that they have fins instead of arms and legs. (Observation using my sight)
Dolphins have fins so they can be efficient swimmers. (Inference based on my observation)

12. Hypotheses
After observations and inferences are made, the next step is to create a hypothesis
A hypothesis is a possible answer to a scientific question.
Your hypothesis must be something that can be tested in an experiment.

13. Designing an Experiment
When designing an experiment it is important to be well prepared.
Things to consider:
What materials will I need?
What are the variables of this experiment?
Variables are factors that can change in an experiment. (Factors that can lead to different results)
How can I make this a controlled experiment? (A controlled experiment is an experiment in which ALL of the variables are the same)

14. Making Measurements Scientists use a standard system of measurement
International System of Units (aka S.I.)
This system uses the Metric System
What are some units from the Metric System that you know?
What do you think is the benefit of having a standard measuring system?

15. Interpret Data
Interpreting Data means arranging your data in an organized way.
When you do this, it is easier to see patterns and trends in your data.

16. Drawing Conclusions & Communicating Them
To draw a conclusion, you will need to decide whether your data supports your original hypothesis.
Your data can either prove or disprove your hypothesis.
You can communicate your conclusion through writing or speaking.
Scientists often write articles and scientific journals to showcase their conclusions.