This is a rough outline of our year of science study. It is patterned after our state mandates, but is not limited by
it.
Process Standard 1: Observe and Measure
- Observing is the first action taken by the learner to acquire new information about an object, organism, or event. Opportunities
for observation are developed through the use of a variety of scientific tools. Measurement allows observations to be quantified.
The student will accomplish these objectives to meet this process standard.
1. Observe and measure objects, organisms,
and/or events (e.g., mass, length, time, volume, temperature) using Systems International (SI) units (i.e., grams, milligrams,
meters, millimeters, centimeters, kilometers, liters, milliliters, and degrees Celsius).
2. Compare and/or contrast similar and/or
different characteristics (e.g., color, shape, size, texture, sound, position, change) in a given set of objects, organisms,
or events.
Process Standard 2: Classify - Classifying
establishes order. Objects, organisms, and events are classified based on similarities, differences, and interrelationships.
The student will accomplish these objectives to meet this process standard.
1. Classify a set of objects, organisms,
and/or events using two or more observable properties (e.g., simple dichotomous keys).
2. Arrange objects, organisms and/or events
in serial order (e.g., least to greatest, fastest to slowest).
Process Standard 3: Experiment - Experimenting
is a method of discovering information. It requires making observations and measurements to test ideas. The student will accomplish
these objectives to meet this process standard.
*1. Ask questions about the world and
formulate an orderly plan to investigate a question.
2. Evaluate the design of a scientific
investigation.
*3. Design and conduct a scientific investigation.
NOTE: Asterisks (*) have been used to identify standards and objectives that must be assessed by the local school district.
All other skills may be assessed by the Oklahoma School Testing Program (OSTP).
Book icons () identify Information
Literacy skills. Students are best served when these are taught in collaboration and cooperation between the classroom teacher
and the library media specialist.
4. Recognize potential hazards and practice
safety procedures in all science investigations.
Process Standard 4: Interpret and Communicate
- Interpreting is the process of recognizing patterns in collected data by making inferences, predictions, or conclusions.
Communicating is the process of describing, recording, and reporting experimental procedures and results to others. Communication
may be oral, written, or mathematical and includes organizing ideas, using appropriate vocabulary, graphs, other visual representations,
and mathematical equations. The student will accomplish these objectives to meet this process standard.
*1. Report data using tables, line, bar,
trend, and/or simple circle graphs.
2. Interpret data tables, line,
bar, trend, and/or simple circle graphs.
3. Make predictions based on patterns
in experimental data.
4. Communicate the results of investigations
and/or give explanations based on data.
Process Standard 5: Inquiry - Inquiry
can be defined as the skills necessary to carry out the process of scientific or systemic thinking. In order for inquiry to
occur, students must have the opportunity to ask a question, formulate a procedure, and observe phenomena. The student will
accomplish these objectives to meet this process standard.
*1. Use different ways to investigate
questions and evaluate the fairness of the test.
*2. Use a variety of measurement tools
and technology.
*3. Formulate a general statement to represent
the data.
*4. Share results
of an investigation in sufficient detail so that data may be combined with data from other students and analyzed further.
