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Variables And Their Controls: Isolating Variables: Reducing Complexity
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Determining the best hull design is a challenging problem. Scientists proceed systematically about designing a hull that minimizes water resistance. Drawing on their experience, they would probably begin by trying to…
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This chapter presents 15 Starting Points—some address physics, some chemistry, and others biology, while some have an engineering flavor. All students, regardless of whether or not they have previously experienced a…
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An Overview of the Nature of Scientific Inquiry
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There are many possible answers to the question, "What is the nature of science and scientific inquiry?" This chapter provides students with experiences through which they can understand what science is all about and…
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Scientific inquiry often proceeds qualitatively, especially at the early stages of an exploration into a new phenomenon. The scientists' goal seems to be to map what they perceive to be the significant features of the…
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Have you ever asked yourself why scientists use numbers? It's an intriguing question. This chapter, which introduces the numbers game, highlights some of the reasons since there are many and they are interrelated. The…
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From an early age, children have a good idea of what being fair means. In a fair test, everything is treated in the same way (controlled), apart from that which is deliberately changed or varied. In this way, scientists…
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Students often assume that tests are fair and their experiments are well controlled. This chapter introduces students to the idea of repeatability—the test of a fair test. Repeatability is an important cornerstone of…
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This chapter is about being accurate and being sure. It is about errors—recognizing them, taking account of them, and eliminating them. The chapter is designed to help students become aware of and respond to errors of…
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This chapter is about graphing data. The three lessons are designed to develop the students' awareness of the value and techniques of graphing by providing an overview of graphing rather than a comprehensive course in…
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The Numbers Game: Are Some Measures Better Than Others?
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In this chapter, readers see how Marie and Monique want to make the strongest magnet possible and had various ideas for how to do so. They wonder whether the number of times you stroked the tube made a difference. They…
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As you work on a project, students will meet all sorts of problems: problems with measuring, designing apparatus, devising good investigations, graphing, making sense of what you have discovered. Students can get help…
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Seashells are some of the most beautiful objects found in nature. Have you ever wondered where they come from?
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Sunsets are some of the most beautiful sights in nature. You might hear people say, “The Sun is ‘going down,’” but that’s not what is actually happening. Have you ever wondered what’s really going on? This sample…
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This sample from, What Does an Animal Eat? offers insights into two special aspects of hungry animals: how their teeth and beaks offer clues about what they eat and how the food chain helps make sure there’s enough for…
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Plants Can Grow Different Parts—How Do Plants Grow?
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In this opening sample from How Does a Plant Grow?, curiosity will be ignited! Readers can see how this book will inspire children to be alert to the many wonders of the plant world, from how seeds sprout to why leaves…
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