Scientific Investigationsand

Problem Solving

District Learning DayTBDTBD

August 5, 2015

Do Now

Questions to ponder:Problem solving is… Problem solving is Not …

Norms

• Be present and engaged.• Be respectful of differences in perspective

while challenging each other productively and respectively.

• Monitor “air time.”• Make the most of the time we have.• Stay focused on students.

ObjectivesWhat will participants:• KnowThe process skills that a problem solver uses over and over again are an ability to create, to analyze, and to generalize.

• UnderstandThe role of the hypothesis and the relationship between the hypothesis and experimentation.

• DoGather accurate information from an experiment and be able to use that information to draw conclusions.

Problem Solving

Addressing a situation, occasionally having to determine what the outcome needs to be, but usually with that defined, and determining how to achieve that outcome. This usually involves comparing the situation to previous experiences, identifying similarities and differences.

Problem Solving

Using whatever tools one knows how to use in order to implement a solution to a given hypothesis.

Problem Solving

• Before problem-solving can occur, it is important to first understand the exact nature of the problem itself. If your understanding of the issue if faulty, your attempts to resolve it will also be incorrect or flawed.

Problem Solving

How is problem solving used to take a systematic approach to a task?

Problem Solving

Problem solving can simply be defined as “the activity whereby a best value is determined from an unknown, subject to a specific set of conditions.” In this activity, it is possible to identify:1. a strategy-procedure or set of steps by which

the activity is performed, and2. Elements or skills that are necessary to carry

out the strategy

Problem Solving Activity

• Challenge: Can bromthymol blue help determine what chemicals are in an unknown solution?

Problem Solving Activity

• Participants will follow the instructions fro the worksheet/guide to do the activity.

Problem Solving

Activity Analyze the data from the experiment.

Which format will you use?• Graph• Chart• Explanation

Problem Solving AnalysisQuestionWhat is unique about the scientific method of problem solving?

Remember:

Analyzing data in 9–12 builds on K–8 experiences and progresses to: • introducing more detailed

statistical analysis, • a comparison of data sets

for consistency, and • the use of models to

generate and analyze data.

Reflection:MODELING

• What resonated with you?• What is similar to your current

practice?• What is different than your current

practice?• What are you going to change as a

result?

Reflection:Application

• What was easiest for you?• What was most difficult?• What else do you need to learn/do

prior to applying to your classroom?

Closing

What role did experimentation play in the solution to this problem?

Revisit ObjectivesWhat will participants:• KnowThe process skills that a problem solver uses over and over again are an ability to create, to analyze, and to generalize.

• UnderstandThe role of the hypothesis and the relationship between the hypothesis and experimentation.

• DoGather accurate information from an experiment and be able to use that information to draw conclusions.

Next steps and activities for follow up

Do this with your students.

Reflection: One minute paper on post-it

• Jot down your “Take-Aways” • Consider what you need to know and be able to

do to successfully implement what you have learned in this session.–What is still unclear?–What professional development or additional

resources do you need?

District Contacts

Rita MooreScience Advisor

Department of Curriculum and Instruction moorerf@scsk12.org