Science is way of learning more about the natural world that provides possible explanations to questions and involves using a collection of skills.
In this first unit, students will have the opportunity to practice and refine science process skills, critical thinking skills as well as other skills that support scientific inquiry. Developing scientific thinking in students is important for a solid science education. To lean how to think scientifically, students need opportunities to practice science process skills, critical thinking skills, as well as other skills that support scientific inquiry.
We will focus our study on the Next Generation Science Standards. The standards combine Science and Engineering Practices, Cross-Cutting Concepts and Disciplinary Core Ideas. We will start the year working on an engineering challenge to start learning how to think like a scientist and act like a scientist.
Major concepts and skills:
Students will apply science and engineering practices to their everyday life.
Design and conduct an experiment using science and engineering practices.
Identify the constants, variable and control of an experiment.
Differentiate between dependent and independent (manipulated) variables.
Explain why there can only be one independent variable in an experiment.
Explain what a control is used for in an experiment.
Differentiate between observations and inferences.
Apply the concepts within the science and engineering practices to experiments presented in the form of written summaries, observed during videos or demonstrations, and experienced in hands-on activities.
Take measurements and convert between units in the metric system.
Create data tables and graphs