Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Software Manual page 18

Using the Fundamental Topics in Science Application
To begin the application, press
Contents page shows the last place the student was in
. The student may need to press
TOOLS
Table of Contents and then select
1:INTRODUCTION
are not yet familiar with it, or print Navigating Fundamental Topics in Science on pages viii–x of
the Introduction.
Introduction
This section explores the question "What is Science?" On a
asked to describe what they think science is. The question is explored more fully, and one
definition is presented. If your students are keeping journals, Fundamental Topics in Science is
good journal material. If they are not keeping journals, have them write their responses on a
blank sheet of paper.
Concepts
This section explores what it means to "Do Science."
A common process for scientific investigations is presented.
Observe
Hypothesize
Test
Generalize
Communicate
You may wish to avoid calling this process "the" scientific method, since students might assume
this is the only method used by scientists. Point out that a scientific method can be any one of
several processes that:
Leads to sound conclusions.
Is repeatable.
Encourages further investigation.
Fundamental Topics in Science
, select
Ã
1:FUNDAMENTAL TOPICS
to begin. You may need to tell students how to navigate the application, if they
Collect and organize data. Formulate questions.
Form a tentative, testable explanation. Design a test.
Experiment to support or refute the hypothesis.
Develop a model or theory that explains the data.
Share findings so others can investigate further.
© 2001 Texas Instruments
, and press any key. The displayed Table of
FunSci
FUNDAMENTAL TOPICS
Ä
one or more times to go to the Science Chapters
UP
,
1:SCIENTIFIC METHOD
WRITE IT DOWN
Section 1: Scientific Method
or
SCIENCE
,
screen, students are
Teacher Notes 1-7