Understanding the scientific method

Here's the outline for the components of the scientific method. When I get back to school, I'll post the rubric, which we did send home. Look at the rubric carefully to understand what is expected in a project. Take care and have a pleaseant break from school. Mr. King

Also, here is a link to go to for some science fair ideas.

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml

Understanding the Scientific Method
And Using Fair Tests
Mr. Steven King, Science Coordinator

Hypothesis: An educated explanation of a phenomena or event. This is more of an overarching concept, not as specific as your prediction.

Question: ________________________________________________________________________

Prediction: I think ________________________________ because _______________________________________________________________________.

Variables: Control Variables, Dependent Variable, Independent Variable
Control Variables: Those variables you are keeping constant.

Independent Variable: The variable you are changing. Changing this variable may affect your dependent variable.
Dependent Variable: Variable you are observing.

Observations: Scientist watches and records what takes place while the experiment is conducted.
Data: Usually some sort of measurable information. This is where students practice using rulers, scales, stopwatches, tape measurers, cameras and other important tools. This is where science and math come together.

Results: Tables, charts, graphs, photographs, and explanations. These could include drawings, discussions, oral presentations, and/or dictations … Many of these items can be created on computers as well.

Conclusion: Relates back to the prediction and is supported by data and results. My prediction was correct/incorrect because _________________________________.

Reflection: What would you change, what did you learn, did you enjoy the experiment….

December Announcement

Dear Parents and Students,
I want to let everyone know how proud I am of our progress in writing. Please come look at the display located outside of our room. They are a representation of hard work and perserverence on the part of the class. Parent conferences are next Monday, and a schedule will go home on Friday and will be emailed. Also, Deal Buddy Day is Tuesday. We are working on percents and fractions in math. In reading, we are looking for facts, making inferences, verb tenses, and spelling. Social studies is dealing with Europe and relationship between humans/environment, and in science we will begin to gear up for the science fair in February. Take care. Mr. King

December Homework

Here is the homework for December.
December 1
Wordly Wise 15 A-D
Math Computing Percents
2
Project Due Tomorrow on your European Country

3
WW15E
Math Test tomorrow
Complete math review sheet
4
Science
Waves/Wind
pp. 158-163 with questions

5
WW/Spelling Test
Read class novel
6
7
8
Parent Teacher Conference
Wordly Wise 16 A-D
9
Deal Buddy Day
Map of Europe Test on Friday
10
WW16E Book Report Due
Europe Map Review
11
Science Glaciers
pp. 165-169
12
WW/Spelling Test
Science Fair Proposal Due
13
14
15
Field Trip Natural History Museum
Write Five Paragraph Essay about the Trip
16
Wordly Wise 17A-D
17
WW17E
O Henry Story and Questions
18
O Henry Story and Questions
19
WW/Spelling Test
Europe Map Test
20
21

22
Vacation
Science Fair Project
Review Packet 23
Vacation
Science Fair Project
Review Packet 24

Vacation
Science Fair Project
Review Packet 25
Vacation
Science Fair Project
Review Packet 26
Vacation
Science Fair Project
Review Packet 27
Vacation
Science Fair Project
Review Packet
28
Vacation
Science Fair Project
Review Packet 29
Vacation
Science Fair Project
Review Packet 30
Vacation
Science Fair Project
Review Packet 31
Vacation
Science Fair Project
Review Packet 1
Vacation
Science Fair Project
Review Packet 2
Vacation
Science Fair Project
Review Packet