The Nature of Science

Scientist

• ask questions about the natural world
• observe using their senses
• keeps organized notes
• work alone or in teams

Scientific Questions

Scientists Skills

• inferencing - drawing a conclusion based on observations
• predicting
• interpreting
• analyzing

How do investigations begin?

1.  Experiment

Variables

• independent - what change you make, the cause
• dependent - what you are testing for, the effect
• control - what stays the same

2. Models

3. Surveys

Why do Scientists Communicate?

Keeping Records

• it is important to write each step in order so others can repeat the experiment

Tools Scientists Use

• ruler or meterstick
• pan balance - uses gram cubes to measure mass
• spring scale - measures force and weight
• stopwatch
• thermometer
• microscope
• handlens

Know which tools are similar and what are their differences.

Safety

• never taste or smell materials
• wear protective gear: goggles, gloves
• keep workplace clean
• report chemical spills
• tell teacher about accidents
• wash your hands well after every activity