Scientific Process Skills

Ms. Tipple 7th & 8th grade Science

Observing

• Refers to use of 5 senses to

gather data about objects &
events
Classifying
 Involves grouping objects or
events according to similar
characteristics (e.g., shape,
color, size)
Communicating
Involves use of spoken &
written words, graphs,
drawings & diagrams to share
information & ideas
Using Space/Time
Relationships
 Involves
developing an
awareness of phenomena &
events outside of one’s immediate
environment (e.g., which soap
has longest lasting bubble, which
molecules are farther apart)
 Measuring
 Scientists
gather & share data
about the world by using
common standards of
measurement (e.g., length,
mass, volume, time).
Using Numbers
• Quantification is the
essence of science, the
ability to describe the
world numerically is basic
to all scientific endeavors
Formulating Hypotheses

 Scientificexplanation
that can be tested & is
a key skill in the
scientific method
 Inferring
 Logical thought process to show a
relationship between two or more
observations
Predicting
 Forecasting
future events
based on observations &
inferences
Defining Operationally
 An operational definition is a
definition framed in terms of
experiences. For example,
defining an acid as any substance
that turns blue litmus red is an
operational definition.
Experimenting
• Combines all of the
process skills used in
conducting a scientific
investigation
Forming Models
 A model is a verbal structure of graphic
representation of the physical world.
Scientists develop models as a way of
describing the world, then test & refine those
models as more information becomes
available
 Controlling Variables
 Ina science experiment, two
conditions, alike in every way but
one, are compared to determine
the influence of the one missing
element
Interpreting Data
 Involves the analysis &
synthesis of data to support or
refute a hypothesis
Independent variable
 Something that the scientist changes
 Ask yourself “What is changing?”
Dependent Variable
What is being measured?
 control
What is staying the same?