Topic 1 .Lesson Notes - Thinking and working scientifically.docx

Scientific Literacy

Scientific Literacy

The ability to use scientific knowledge, understanding, and inquiry skills to identify questions, acquire new knowledge, explain science phenomena, solve problems, and draw evidence-based conclusions.

Observation

Making observations directly using the five senses and/or measuring instruments.

Inference

Formulating a question based on observations, with the question being specific and testable.

Fair Test Investigation

Designing and conducting experiments to see if predicted consequences are present, considering variables that can change and affect the results.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is being measured or tested in an experiment.

Independent Variable

The variable that is changed or manipulated by the researcher in an experiment.

Controlled Variables

The variables that are kept constant and unchanged throughout the experiment.

Fair Test Investigation

A scientific experiment designed to test a prediction by keeping all variables constant except the one being tested.

Independent Variable

The variable deliberately changed by the investigator, there is only one in a fair test.

Dependent Variable

The variable affected by changes in the independent variable, its value depends on the independent variable.

Controlled Variables

Variables other than the independent variable that could influence the experiment and need to be kept constant.

Observations

Direct interactions with objects or phenomena using the five senses or measuring instruments.

Inferences

Subjective conclusions based on observations and prior experience/theoretical understanding.

Formulating Testable Questions

Questions that are specific, testable, and inquire about the relationship between independent and dependent variables.

Fair Test Investigation Predictions

Predictions about the relationship between independent and dependent variables based on scientific knowledge and experiences.

Designing Fair Test Investigations

Considering independent, dependent, and controlled variables to ensure a valid and reliable experiment.

Reliability and Validity

Reliability refers to the consistency of results, while validity refers to the appropriateness of the investigation design and execution in answering the research question.

Test predictions

Design and conduct experiments to see if the predicted consequences are present.

Data collection and analysis

Record data from the experiments and analyse the data.

Conclude

Draw conclusions based on the data analysis. If the data support the prediction, it is accepted. If not, reject or modify the prediction.

Communicate

Share the results with other scientists and non-scientists.

Replicate

The experiment is repeated by the same or other scientists to verify the results.

Independent variable

The variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Dependent variable

The variable being tested and measured in a scientific experiment; its value depends on the independent variable.

Average

The calculated central value of a set of numbers, obtained by dividing the sum of the numbers by the quantity of numbers.

Precision

Refers to how close each measurement is to the other measurements, regardless of their accuracy.

Accuracy

Describes how close a measurement is to the true value being measured.

Measurement error

Inaccuracy or imprecision in measurements due to various factors like instruments, human error, or natural variability.

Premise – Reasoning – Outcome (PRO) strategy

A method for constructing scientific explanations involving stating theories, evidence, and conclusions.

Scientific model

A simplified representation of a complex real-world phenomenon or system used for understanding and communication.

Physical model

A type of scientific model that replicates an object at a different scale for easier study.

Conceptual model

A type of scientific model that describes a system and its behavior without replicating it physically.

Median Income

The middle value in a list of incomes, where half the incomes are higher and half are lower.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to conducting research that involves making observations, formulating a question, making a prediction, testing the prediction, collecting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, communicating results, and replicating the experiment.

Replication

The process of repeating an experiment by the same or different researchers to verify the results obtained in the original study.

Data Analysis

The process of examining, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data to discover useful information, draw conclusions, and support decision-making.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon based on observations, which can be tested through experiments and data analysis.

Observation

The act of gathering information using the five senses or measuring instruments to understand a phenomenon or behavior.

Conclusion

A decision or determination reached after analyzing data and results obtained from an experiment, indicating whether the hypothesis was supported or rejected.

Communication

Sharing research findings and results with other scientists and the general public to contribute to the body of scientific knowledge and promote understanding.