Appropriate tools and techniques are used to gather data during analyze the variables in an experiment and decide which ones must be held scientific investigations. Measurements are collected using the constant (not allowed to change) in order for the investigation to represent International System of Units (metric units) of measurement. a fair test. This requires students to comprehend what are and “variables” to apply that idea in new situations related to the Life Science Standards of Mental and physical models, including computer and other concepts. Learning simulations, can be helpful in explaining events or sequences of events that occur. They can be used as part of scientific determine the specific component of an experiment to be changed as an explanations to support data or represent phenomena, especially independent variable and control the experiment by conducting trials for those that are not easily seen directly or must be inferred from data. the experiment in which the independent variable is not applied. This requires the student to set up a standard to which the experimental results Potential sources of error in the experimental design must be can be compared. The student must use the results of the controlled trials identified. to determine whether the hypothesized results were indeed due to the independent variable. To communicate the plan of an experiment accurately, the independent variable, dependent variable, and constants must be construct appropriate graphs, using data sets from investigations. This explicitly defined. requires the student to recognize that a line graph is most appropriate for reporting continuous or real-time data. This also requires a student to To establish that the events of an experiment are the result of comprehend that points along the line that are not actual data points can be manipulating the independent variable, the experiment must be used to make predictions. Students should be able to interpret and analyze controlled by observing the effects without the application of the these graphs. independent variable. The results can be compared with this standard or control. Not all experiments have a control. distinguish between observational and experimental investigations. Multiple trials of an experiment must be conducted to verify the develop conclusions based on a data set and verify whether the data set results. truly supports the conclusion. This requires students to cite references to the data that specifically support their conclusions. Analysis of observed results of systematic investigations includes
Appropriate tools and techniques are used to gather data during scientific investigations. Measurements are collected using the International System of Units (metric units) of measurement. Mental and physical models, including computer and other simulations, can be helpful in explaining events or sequences of events that occur. They can be used as part of scientific explanations to support data or represent phenomena, especially those that are not easily seen directly or must be inferred from data. Potential sources of error in the experimental design must be identified. To communicate the plan of an experiment accurately, the independent variable, dependent variable, and constants must be explicitly defined. To establish that the events of an experiment are the result of manipulating the independent variable, the experiment must be controlled by observing the effects without the application of the independent variable. The results can be compared with this standard or control. Not all experiments have a control. Multiple trials of an experiment must be conducted to verify the results. Analysis of observed results of systematic investigations includes analyze the variables in an experiment and decide which ones must be held constant (not allowed to change) in order for the investigation to represent a fair test. This requires students to comprehend what “variables” are and to apply that idea in new situations related to the Life Science Standards of Learning concepts. determine the specific component of an experiment to be changed as an independent variable and control the experiment by conducting trials for the experiment in which the independent variable is not applied. This requires the student to set up a standard to which the experimental results can be compared. The student must use the results of the controlled trials to determine whether the hypothesized results were indeed due to the independent variable. construct appropriate graphs, using data sets from investigations. This requires the student to recognize that a line graph is most appropriate for reporting continuous or real-time data. This also requires a student to comprehend that points along the line that are not actual data points can be used to make predictions. Students should be able to interpret and analyze these graphs. distinguish between observational and experimental investigations. develop conclusions based on a data set and verify whether the data set truly supports the conclusion. This requires students to cite references to the data that specifically support their conclusions.