Unit 1 Lesson 3 What Are Some Types of Investigations? Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Unit 1 Lesson 3 What Are Some Types of Investigations?

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company


Florida Benchmarks


• SC.5.N.1.1 Define a problem, use appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigations of various types such as: systematic observations, experiments requiring the identificiation of variables, collecting and organizing data, interpreting data in charts, tables, and graphics, analyze information, make predictions, and defend conclusions.

• SC.5.N.1.2 Explain the difference between an experiment and other types of scientific investigation.


Florida Benchmarks


• SC.5.N.1.3 Recognize and explain the need for repeated experimental trials.

• SC.5.N.1.4 Identify a control group and explain its importance in an experiment.

• SC.5.N.1.5 Recognize and explain that authentic scientific investigation frequently does not parallel the steps of “the scientific method.”

A Process for Science


Start with a Question

• A scientific investigation always begins with a question.

• Scientists observe the world and then ask good questions based on their observations.


Plan an Investigation

• Scientific methods are ways that scientists perform investigations.

• Investigations can be planned once a scientist has a testable question.

• There are different scientific methods for investigating the world.



Investigations Differ

• The method a scientist uses to conduct an investigation depends on the question being investigated.

• An investigation in which all of the conditions are controlled is called an experiment.



Investigations Differ

• Scientists use models to represent real objects or processes.

• Repeated observations allow scientists to study processes in nature that they can observe but can’t control.



Drawing Conclusions

• Whatever scientific methods are used, scientists will have results they can use to draw conclusions.

• Conclusions may answer the question a scientist asked before they began.

• Conclusions may also point to new questions and ideas for more investigations.




Explosive Observations


• Some science questions are too big, too far away, or too uncontrollable for experiments.

• These science questions can only be answered by making repeated observations.

• Observations can be used to predict a future event.


Explosive Observations


• How do scientists predict the locations for future volcanic eruptions?

Super Models


When Modeling Is Needed

• Models are used when scientists cannot experiment with the real object or event.

• The better a model represents the real thing, the more useful it is.


Types of Models

• Physical models can be created to simulate a real object or event.

• Computer simulation models can be used to see what might happen in the future or to guess what happened in the past.

• Diagrams and flowcharts are two-dimensional models used to show how ideas are related.



How to Excel in Experimentation


Ask Questions

• Scientific questions can be answered by doing experiments. An experiment is a procedure used to test a hypothesis.

• It is a good idea to make some observations before stating a hypothesis.


Hypothesize

• A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested and explains what can happen in an investigation.

• Thinking about what you already know, talking to other people, and doing research can help you form a hypothesis.



Design an Experiment

• Experiments can have two or more setups for comparing results.

• Variables are any condition in an experiment that can be changed. Only one variable is tested.

• The control is the setup to which all other setups will be compared.



Carry Out the Procedure

• A procedure is the steps a scientist follows in an experiment.

• Procedures are often repeated.

• By repeating procedures, scientists will have more evidence to support their conclusions.



Record and Analyze Data

• Recording data correctly is important. There are many ways to record data.

• Once data are recorded, you can analyze the results to draw conclusions.



Draw Conclusions and Evaluate the Hypothesis• All conclusions must be supported with evidence.

• The more evidence you have, the stronger your conclusion.

• Evaluate your hypothesis after you have reached a conclusion.



Draw Conclusions and Evaluate the Hypothesis• Once you have drawn conclusions, decide if the

hypothesis is supported or not.

• Scientists build on what they learn by rethinking their hypothesis or designing new experiments.




Special Delivery: Data Displays


• Line graphs are used to show change over time.

• Circle graphs are used to compare parts to the whole.


Special Delivery: Data Displays


• Diagrams are used to show data that do not include numbers.

• Bar graphs are used to compare things or groups of things.

Documents

Unit 1 Lesson 3 What Are Some Types of Investigations? Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company