Flashcards: Nature of Science
Dependent Variable
a variable that is measured by the scientist conducting the experiment
In an experiment investigating the effect of amount of light on plant growth, the plant growth would be the dependent variable since it depends on the amount of light.
Data
measurements and observations recorded during an experiment
Scientific Knowledge
scientific fact discovered using the scientific method
Control Group
a group of specimens in an experiment to which no change is made; does not receive the experimental treatment
In an experiment investigating the effect of talk therapy on alleviating depression, the group receiving only the medicine would be the control group.
Qualitative Data
data which is described rather than measured
color, shape, smell, opinions
Quantitative Data
data which is measured and usually expressed numerically
distance, time, temperature, test scores
Controlled Variable
a variable that is kept stable throughout the experiment, across control and experimental groups, to ensure that any difference in the dependent variable is because of the independent variable.
In an experiment investigating the effect of amount of light on plant growth, the amount of water would be a controlled variable since it is not being studied.
Assimilation
A process in which existing schemas are applied to new objects or situations
Scaffolding
a method of teaching that involves gradually removing aids when teaching new concepts
When teaching how identify adjectives, a teacher starts with explicit teaching. Then, she leads the class in guided instruction, and repeats or rephrases the necessary information. Next, she prompts the students with questions like “what kind?” and “which one?” Eventually, students identify adjectives independently.
Dmitri Mendeleev
A chemist (1834-1907) who published the first periodic table with elements arranged by mass
Accommodation
occurs when existing schemas cannot be applied to new objects or situations, and must therefore be adapted and revised
An infant develops the use of fine motor skills and is now able to pick up blocks. The child changes their reflex and begins to bite on blocks rather than sucking their thumb - accommodating the new reality.
Guiding Questions
questions that lead to a deeper understanding by arousing curiosity and interest
“What do plants need for optimal growth?” might be the guiding question for the hypothesis “If plants are given twice the water they will grow twice as fast”.
Disequilibrium
occurs when a child cannot use existing schemas to comprehend new information
A child moves to a new country. The new classroom rules are difficult to assimilate on top of the previous classroom rules.
Charles Darwin
an English naturalist who developed the idea of natural selection and theory of evolution; these ideas were published in the book On the Origin of Species
Scientific Law
a proven explanation for a phenomenon
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Experimental Investigation
Researchers assign subjects in the sample to certain treatments, then observe the effects of the treatment. Can show causation (cause and effect).
Does using algebra tiles during instruction help freshman students learn how to solve equations?
Heliocentricity
The accepted astronomical model that the sun is at the center of our solar system. The theory was put forth by Copernicus in 1543 and expanded upon by Galileo in 1632.
Elaborate (5E Model)
Fourth phase of 5E model. students extend their thinking and practice new skills.
Observation
information gathered using the five senses
Smell and color
Explore (5E Model)
Second phase of 5E model. students work with the material, developing their knowledge, and usually actively manipulating materials or interactive content.
Peer Review
the process of fact-checking by other experts in the same field; ensures the quality of published work
Classify
arrange in groups according to shared qualities or characteristics
The students observed the size, appearance, composition, permeability, and texture in order to classify the rocks.
Scientific Theory
a proposed explanation for a phenomenon which may not be testable
Darwin’s Theory of evolution
Galileo Galilei
Improved the telescope and used it to prove Copernicus’ heliocentric theory.
Feedback Loop
a series of experiments in which the results lead to more possible hypotheses and subsequently more testing
Activate Prior Knowledge
helping students remember what they already know about the topic
Measure
using an instrument/device to determine the size, amount, or degree of (something)
The student measured the liquid before pouring it into the test tube.
Explain (5E Model)
Third phase of 5E model. students explain what they know and verbalize their understanding. Teachers use this phase to formally define terms and explain processes.
Experimental Group
a group of specimens in an experiment to which a change is made; receives the experimental treatment
In an experiment investigating the effect of talk therapy on alleviating depression, the group receiving the medicine and the therapy would be the experimental group.
Communicate
share or exchange information
Students must be able to communicate the results of their experiments in a written or oral report.
Independent Variable
a variable that is manipulated by the scientist conducting the experiment to see if that causes a change
In an experiment investigating the effect of amount of light on plant growth, the amount of light would be the independent variable since it affects the amount of growth.
Scientific Method
a series of deliberate steps by which scientists observe, hypothesize, test, analyze data, and communicate results
Hypothesis
an informed prediction (made based on previous observations) for a phenomena. Should be testable.
If we give plants more fertilizer, they will grow taller.
Organization
students store new information and relate it to what they already know and understand about the world
Students organize their data and analysis into a class presentation that makes sense of their learning.
Variables
factors affecting the outcome of an experimental investigation
the amount of water given to a plant might be the independent variable
Gregor Mendel
A biologist credited as the father of modern genetics. He worked with pea plants and observed consistent ratios in specific crosses, leading to his terming of dominant and recessive genes.
Engage (5E Model)
First phase of 5E model. students become mentally engaged, make connections to previous learning, and think about their own learning outcomes.
Discrepant Events
events with unexpected outcomes
A teacher starts a lesson on gravity by dropping two objects with different masses. Students are surprised when the objects hit the ground at the same time.
Conclusion
a summary of the results of an experiment; states whether the initial hypothesis was rejected or supported
Inquiry-Based Activities
activities that allow students to participate in the scientific method with little guidance from the teacher
experiments, discussions
Predict
say or estimate that an event will occur in the future
Before performing the experiment, students predict that the plant in the direct sunlight will grow the tallest.
Inference
a conclusion based on evidence, observation, and reasoning
Evaluate (5E Model)
Final (fifth) phase of 5E model. students are assessed on their understanding and teachers evaluate learning to inform their next lesson.
Questioning Strategies
techniques used to ask questions in a way that requires students to use the thinking that the teacher is trying to develop
Different questioning strategies can be used to encourage student curiosity and creativity by asking students to observe, infer explanations, predict expected experimental outcomes, and elaborate on their reasoning.
