Types of Scientists

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/types-of-scientists.html

Thinking Like a Scientist!

Activity:With the person sitting next to

you:

◦ Discuss with each other, some ways that you might “Think Like a Scientist”

◦Write down the skills that you would need

Skills of a Scientist ObservingInferringPredictingClassifyingMaking ModelsCommunicating

ObservingUsing one or more of your five

sensesMust be an accurate report of

what your senses detectMust record observations, by

writing or drawing observationsInformation collected through

observation is called evidence, or data

InferringCombining evidence with

experience or knowledge. Ex: You hear your dog barking and you infer that someone is at your front door

Logical conclusionInference is not fact, it is one of

many possible interpretations of an observation

PredictingMaking an inference about the

future based on current evidencePredicting is an inference, it may

be proven to be false

With the person next to you:•List three observations about this picture.

•Make an inference about what has happened.

•Predict what will happen next.

ACTIVITY

ClassifyingGrouping together items that are

alike in some wayYou can classify by use, size,

shape, and by other important characteristics

When things are sorted into group, the relationships among them become easier to understand

Making ModelsHelps people understand things

that they cannot observe directlyScientist use them to represent

things that are very big or very small

Making Models cont…Other models are mental models-

mathematical equations or words that describe how something works

All models have limitations

CommunicatingThe process of sharing ideas and

information with other peopleSome of the required skills for

communicating effectively are◦Writing◦Reading◦Speaking◦Listening◦Making Models

Communicating cont…Scientist communicate to share

results, information, and opinionsScientist often communicate

about their work in journals, over the phone, in letters, in person, scientific meeting, and on the internet

Activity:

With the person sitting next to you.

Have one person write out, detailed directions on how to turn in your homework in this class (starting from your desk).

The other person will follow the directions as they are written.

Then discuss how well the directions were communicated