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Introduction

Scientists and detectives are very much alike: they piece together clues to solve a problem. Both use their past experience and knowledge to make "educated guesses" to answer a question. They then conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis and draw a conclusion. Scientists throughout the world use this universal process to conduct their experiment: the scientific method. This webquest is designed to assist middle school students in becoming successful using this process.

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Think Like a Scientist

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Each day you ask yourself questions and consider possible answers. You are acting like a scientist! In order to answer these questions, you need some specific skills. Some of the skills scientists use are described below:

Observation: Sometimes we gather data by using our senses: see, touch, taste, smell, hear. Observations must be factual and accurate to be of use. As a scientist, you will have to keep accurate recordings of your observations by writing down the observations or making a drawing to illustrate your observation.

Inferring: Your explanation of the observations you make is your inference. Your inference is just your opinion based on your knowledge or experience. This can be one reason why something happened. The only way to find out if an inference is correct is to investigate further.

Predicting: Your prediction about a future event or the outcome of a reaction is again based on your past experience and knowledge. In a science class you test your prediction by designing or conducting an experiment to test the outcome.

Classifying: Grouping things according to similar characteristics is classifying. Items can be classified by size, shape, color, use, or many other aspects. During an experiment, you may want to classify or group things.

Making models: During the experiment, the scientist may decide to make a picture, diagram, computer image, or even a model or other representation of what is being observed.

Communicating: A scientists' communication about an experiment may be done in many ways: writing, reading, speaking, listening, and making models. Typically, scientists enter communications in a journal or share them in person with other scientists. Students can communicate via a lab report.

Web sites to visit for more information:

Thinking Like A Scientist

Thinking Like a Scientist 2

The Metric System

In order to be able to communicate with each other, scientists all use the same standard system of measurements known as the International System of Units (SI). This system is also known as the metric system because it is based on multiples of ten.

Common SI Prefixes:    

Measuring Length--the common SI measure of length is the meter (m). One meter = 39 inches (approx.)

Common conversions include: 1 km = 1000 m, 1 m = 100 cm, 1 m = 1000 mm, and 1 cm = 10 mm

Scientists use a meter stick to measure length or distance.

Measuring Volume--the common SI measure of volume is the liter (l). One liter = 0.9 qt..

Common conversions include: 1 L = 1000 mL

Scientists use a graduated cylinder to measure liquid volume.

Measuring Mass--the common SI measure of mass is the gram (g).

Common conversions include: 1 kg - 1000 g

Scientists use a balance scale to measure mass or weight.

Measuring Temperature--the common SI measure of temperature is in degrees Celsius (° C). The boiling point of water (at sea level) is 100°Celsius, or 100°C. The freezing point of water (at sea level) is 0° Celsius. A hot day is about 30° Celsius.

Scientists use a thermometer to measure temperature.

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Web sites to visit for more information:

Metric System

Metric System 2

Metric System 3

Laboratory Apparatus

A carpenter uses a saw, a plumber has a wrench, and a scientist has a variety of instruments based on the area of study. The basic measurement tools like the meter stick, the graduated cylinder, the balance scale, and the thermometer were briefly discussed above. Listed here are other common laboratory apparatus used in the middle school.

The microscope The balance scale A ring stand with glassware

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Test tubes The meter stick Catch basin

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Thermometer Dissecting kit Graduated cylinders

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Weather station Stop watch Pulley system

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The Scientific Method

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Many scientists use a process known as the scientific method to solve a science experiment. This is a five-step process with the same general pattern.

1. Asking a question (state the problem)--Any scientific experiment begins with a question. What am I looking for as I do this experiment? This scientific question must be one that can be answered by gathering information. To answer your question, you as a scientist will carry on an investigation (do the experiment) and gather information (data).

Good examples: What is the relationship between time, speed and distance? How does temperature affect melting? How can you determine the diet of an owl?

Not-so-good examples: How far can you walk in five seconds at a normal pace, a slow pace, and a regular place? If you place an ice cube in a warm place and a cool place, which one will melt faster? What happens when you dissect owl pellets?

2. Developing a hypothesis You have a question that needs an answer. It is time for you, as a scientist, to make a guess or prediction as to the outcome of the experiment. Your prediction is really an "educated guess" that is based on your past experience and knowledge of the subject. You will then test your hypothesis.

A properly worded hypothesis begins with if and has a then in the middle of the statement. The hypothesis serves as an outline of the experiment you will be performing.

Good examples: If you walk at various speeds, then the distance and time will be affected. If you expose a substance to different temperatures, then the melting rates will vary. If you examine the contents of an owl pellet, then you will be able to determine its feeding priorities.

Not-so-good examples: If you walk fast for 5 seconds and slower for five seconds, then you will walk the five meters at different times and distances. Ice cubes in the sun will melt faster because they are not in a cool place. Owl pellets show you all the stuff inside the owl.

3. Procedure for the experiment (test the hypothesis)--The procedure is the step-by-step plan you follow in order to complete the experiment. The procedure is your designed plan to test the hypothesis. You must consider all variables when making your plan. The procedure is like a recipe. If your procedure is written properly, everyone else who follows those directions will make the same observations or measurements as you did.

A good example will list step by step what you did. It's like giving someone directions to your house. You must include the specific items necessary to get there.

A not-so-good example will omit details that are necessary. If the person following your directions ends up somewhere else, your procedure is not clear.

4. Collecting and interpreting data The observations and measurements you take during the actual experiment are called data. You will need to determine beforehand how you will be collecting this data. The data can be shown as a chart or graph, as a model, or as a diagram. When the experiment has been completed, you will need to analyze your data to answer the question (step 1) and to support or disprove your hypothesis (step 2).

A good example will have accurate graphs that are labeled; drawings will have detail and labels; observations will be written out clearly and with detail.

A not-so-good example will contain unlabeled drawings or incomplete charts. There will be vague or no notes about observations. It will contain inaccurate measurements or measurements that are not labeled.

5. Drawing a conclusion A conclusion is a statement that summarizes what you have learned from doing this experiment. You will need to use the data collected during the experiment in order to prove or disprove your hypothesis. Repeat the work if necessary.

A good example will answer the question or the problem asked in step 1. It will explain whether or not the hypothesis stated was correct. It will refer to the data collected to support the answer.

A not-so-good example will simply state that the hypothesis was right or wrong. It would contain very little information to support why it was right or wrong. It would not refer to the data collected.

Web sites to visit for more information:

Scientific Method 1

Scientific Method 2

Scientific Method 3

A laboratory checklist

1. Carefully read the experiment before entering the lab.

2. Determine the question you are seeking the answer to before going to the lab. Write the question out before going to the lab..

3. Develop your hypothesis and write it out before going to the lab.

4. Make sure you understand the directions that are given. Ask your teacher to explain a process or term you do not understand.

5. Arrive at the lab ready to begin the experiment. Make sure you know what you are going to do and how you are going to gather information to answer the questions.

6. Review safety procedures and determine which precautions are applicable in this experiment.

7. Do the experiment. Follow the step by step procedures. Gather your information. Do calculations and other analysis later.

8. Clean up. Put all materials away.

9. Prepare lab report. Use your collected data to answer all questions. Refer to scientific method above.

Laboratory safety

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Safety is the number one priority in the middle school lab. As a student, you must remember that you are working with glass, chemicals, sharp instruments, and other scientific apparatus that may be dangerous if used improperly. Common sense is the most important thing to keep in mind; proper behavior is essential to ensure the safety of yourself and others; following directions is required; preparation of the lab is necessary to facilitate efficient use of time. A complete list of lab rules can be found on the Flinn web site (Lab safety) below.

Lab safety

Lab safety 2

Activity

Get an activity sheet from your teacher to complete and demonstrate your knowledge of this material.

Complete one of the CAPT activities with your teacher's supervision using the information from this site.

Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT)

As you are probably aware, all tenth grade students in CT have to participate in the CAPT assessment, which is administered during the spring of each academic year. The science portion of the CAPT includes a lab experiment and a written test. Students are expected to follow the scientific method to successfully complete their experiment.

Web sites to visit for more information:

Connecticut Academic Performance Test

C.A.P.T. Science Overview

Rubric

A lab rubric

Acknowledgements

Prentice Hall Science Explorer Series