Science Processes
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic Standard (2.1)
The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and conducting investigations in which
a) observations and predictions are made and questions are formed;
b) observations are differentiated from personal interpretation;
c) observations are repeated to ensure accuracy;
d) two or more characteristics or properties are used to classify items;
e) length, volume, mass, and temperature are measured in metric units and standard English units using the proper tools;
f) time is measured using the proper tools;
g) conditions that influence a change are identified and inferences are made;
h) data are collected and recorded, and bar graphs are constructed using numbered axes;
i) data are analyzed, and unexpected or unusual quantitative data are recognized;
j) conclusions are drawn;
k) observations and data are communicated;
l) simple physical models are designed and constructed to clarify explanations and show relationships; and
m) current applications are used to reinforce science concepts.
a) observations and predictions are made and questions are formed;
b) observations are differentiated from personal interpretation;
c) observations are repeated to ensure accuracy;
d) two or more characteristics or properties are used to classify items;
e) length, volume, mass, and temperature are measured in metric units and standard English units using the proper tools;
f) time is measured using the proper tools;
g) conditions that influence a change are identified and inferences are made;
h) data are collected and recorded, and bar graphs are constructed using numbered axes;
i) data are analyzed, and unexpected or unusual quantitative data are recognized;
j) conclusions are drawn;
k) observations and data are communicated;
l) simple physical models are designed and constructed to clarify explanations and show relationships; and
m) current applications are used to reinforce science concepts.
Understanding the Standard (background information)
- The nature of science refers to the foundational concepts that govern the way scientists formulate explanations about the natural world. The nature of science includes the following concepts:
b) science is based on evidence, both observational and experimental;
c) science is a blend of logic and innovation;
d) scientific ideas are durable yet subject to change as new data are collected;
e) science is a complex social endeavor; and
f) scientists try to remain objective and engage in peer review to help avoid bias.
In grade two, an emphasis should be placed on concepts a, b, and e.
- Science assumes that the natural world is understandable. Scientific inquiry can provide explanations about nature. This expands students’ thinking from just a knowledge of facts to understanding how facts are relevant to everyday life.
- Science demands evidence. Scientists develop their ideas based on evidence and they change their ideas when new evidence becomes available or the old evidence is viewed in a different way.
- Science is a complex social endeavor. It is a complex social process for producing knowledge about the natural world. Scientific knowledge represents the current consensus as to what is the best explanation for phenomena in the natural world. This consensus does not arise automatically, since scientists with different backgrounds from all over the world may interpret the same data differently. To build a consensus, scientists communicate their findings to other scientists and attempt to replicate one another’s findings. In order to model the work of professional scientists, it is essential for second-grade students to engage in frequent discussions with peers about their understanding of their investigations.
- In order to communicate accurately, it is necessary to provide a clear description of exactly what is observed. There is a difference between what one can observe and what can be interpreted from an observation.
- An observation is what you actually see, feel, taste, hear, or smell.
- The more times an observation is repeated, the greater the chance of ensuring the accuracy of the observation.
- It is easier to see how things are related if objects are classified according to their common characteristics.
- By constructing and studying simple models, it is sometimes easier to understand how real things work.
- Scientific investigations require standard measures, proper tools (e.g., balance, thermometer, ruler, magnifying glasses), and organized collection and reporting of data. The way the data are displayed can make it easier to interpret important information.
- When using any standard measurement scale, measure to the marked increment and estimate one more decimal place. Scientists do not round their measurements as this would be inaccurate.
- Students should communicate observations and data publicly.