Nature of Science

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.

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 is the difference between a dependent variable and independent variable?  What is a constant and a control group?

•    What is a characteristic of a good hypothesis?

•    When is it a good idea to use a model?

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.

1.1 Notetaking Guide (pdf file)
Notetaking Guide copies for 1.1

1.2 Notetaking Guide (pdf file)
Notetaking Guide copies for 1.2

1.3 Notetaking Guide (pdf file)
Notetaking Guide copies for 1.3

Ch. 1 Vocab Practice (pdf file)
Ch.1 Vocab Practice

Ch 1 Visual Vocab (doc file)
Here is a template and directions for chapter 1 visual vocab.

Chapter 1 Study Guide (docx file)
Chapter 1 Study guide should be used to help you study for the test.

SG Chapter 1 (doc file)
Chapter 1 Study Guide

Defining Variables Notes (pdf file)
These are the notes we copied in class about variables.

SpongeBob Variables Worksheet (pdf file)
This worksheet has sample scenarios that students have to identify the variables in.

Scientific Thinking Flipbook Notes (pdf file)
This flipbook was created to take notes on concepts from Chapter 1.

Math Skills (pdf file)
Math Skills worksheet

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