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PERIOD 1, 4, & 6 » Nature of Science and Technology
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Nature of Science and Technology
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Dear Parents and Students,
Our science class will soon begin exploring the chapter entitled “The Nature of Science.” In this chapter, students will learn about how scientists collect data to answer questions and test hypotheses. By the end of the chapter, students should demonstrate a clear understanding of the chapter’s main ideas and be able to discuss the following topics:
1. three methods of investigation (Section 1)
2. benefits of science in the world (Section 1)
3. five jobs that use science (Section 1)
4. the steps used in scientific methods (Section 2)
5. how to formulate testable hypotheses (Section 2)
6. the appropriate design of a controlled experiment (Section 2)
7. three types of models (Section 3)
8. the benefits and limitations of models (Section 3)
9. the ways that scientists use hypotheses, theories, and laws (Section 3)
10. the importance of tools in collecting, recording, and analyzing information (Section 4)
11. the importance of the International System of Units (Section 4)
12. the appropriate units to use for particular measurements (Section 4)
13. lab safety symbols (Section 4)
Questions to Ask Along the Way
You can help your child learn about these topics by asking interesting questions as he or she progresses through the chapter. For example, you may wish to ask your son or daughter the following questions:
• What is science?
• What are some surprising careers that use physical science?
• What is a characteristic of a good hypothesis?
• When is it a good idea to use a model?
• Why do Americans measure things in terms of inches and yards instead of
centimeters and meters?
Florida Sunshine State Standards
The following standards are addressed in this chapter:
H.1.3.1 AA knows that scientific knowledge is subject to modification as new information challenges prevailing theories and as a new theory leads to looking at old observations in a new way.
H.1.3.2 CS knows that the study of the events that led scientists to discoveries can provide information about the inquiry process and its effects.
H.1.3.3 CS knows that science disciplines differ from one another in topic, techniques, and outcomes, but that they share a common purpose, philosophy, and enterprise.
H.1.3.4 AA knows that accurate record keeping, openness, and replication are essential to maintaining an investigator’s credibility with other scientists and society.
H.1.3.5 AA knows that a change in one or more variables may alter the outcome of an investigation.
H.1.3.6 recognizes the scientific contributions that are made by individuals of diverse backgrounds, interests, talents, and motivations.
H.1.3.7 knows that when similar investigations give different results, the scientific challenge is to verify whether the differences are significant by further study.
H.3.3.1 CS knows that science ethics demand that scientists must not knowingly subject coworkers, students, the neighborhood, or the community to health or property risks.
H.3.3.2 knows that special care must be taken in using animals in scientific research.
H.3.3.3 knows that in research involving human subjects, the ethics of science require that potential subjects be fully informed about the risks and benefits associated with the research and of their right to refuse to participate.
The Internet at Home
If you have Internet service at home, you and your child can access information related to the chapter “The Nature of Science.” The following resources are available for your use.
sciLINKS: At www.scilinks.org you will find links to Web sites that have been selected by the staff at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). The staff at NSTA regularly scans the Internet to find sites that are current, engaging, and appropriate for middle school students. Check out the latest links by typing in the sciLINKS numbers listed below.
GO TO: www.scilinks.org
TOPIC: Careers in Science sciLINKS NUMBER: HSM0244
TOPIC: Scientific Methods sciLINKS NUMBER: HSM1359
TOPIC: Using Models sciLINKS NUMBER: HSM1588
TOPIC: Tools of Science sciLINKS NUMBER: HSM1535
TOPIC: SI Units sciLINKS NUMBER: HSM1390
go.hrw.com: The resources at this Web site come to you directly from the publisher of your child’s textbook. Here you will find resources to help your son or daughter better understand the chapter entitled “The Nature of Science.”
Thank you for your time and interest.
Sincerely,
Ms. Luft
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Mrs. Luft
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