Teacher Notes - Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Software Manual

1: Scientific Method
Objectives
Upon completion of this section, students should be able to:
Give a reasonable definition of science.
Describe a process (a "scientific method") for conducting scientific investigation that
includes: observing a phenomenon, creating a testable statement (hypothesis) regarding the
phenomenon, designing a test of the hypothesis, generalizing the test findings, and
communicating the test results.
Relevant National Science Education Standards
From Science as Inquiry—Content Standard A
Identify Questions and Concepts that Guide Scientific Investigations. Students should formulate
a testable hypothesis and demonstrate the logical connections between the scientific concepts guiding a
hypothesis and the design of an experiment.
Design and Conduct Scientific Investigations. The investigation may also require student
clarification of the question, method, controls, and variables; student organization and display of data;
student revision of methods and explanations; and a public presentation of the results with a critical
response from peers.
Use Technology and Mathematics to Improve Investigations and Communications. A variety of
technologies, such as hand tools, measuring instruments, and calculators, should be an integral
component of scientific investigations. Mathematics plays an essential role in all aspects of an inquiry.
Formulate and Revise Scientific Explanations and Models Using Logic and Evidence. Student
inquiries should culminate in formulating an explanation or model. Models should be physical,
conceptual, and mathematical.
Recognize and Analyze Alternative Explanations and Models. Students should be able to use
scientific criteria to find the preferred explanations.
Communicate and Defend a Scientific Argument. Students in school science programs should
develop the abilities associated with accurate and effective communication. These include . . .
summarizing data, . . . developing diagrams and charts, explaining statistical analysis, . . .
constructing a reasoned argument, and responding appropriately to critical comments.
Common Student Errors
Students often think that outcomes of science (such as facts, models, and theories) or modes of
conducting science (such as lab experiments) are science itself. Emphasize that science is a
dynamic process for explaining observations and predicting the results of related phenomena.
Scientific conclusions are always subject to revision as a result of further experimentation. You
may also use the following in describing science.
Science is a mode of inquiry rather than a set of known facts.
Science is based on controlled, repeatable experiments; similar results can be expected when
an experiment is repeated under similar conditions.
Fundamental Topics in Science © 2001 Texas Instruments

Teacher Notes

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