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Year 8 Science

Working Scientifically

Aspects of the Scientific Method

The Scientific Method is a body of techniques for investigating phenomena and acquiring new knowledge, as well as for correcting and integrating previous knowledge. It is based on gathering observable, empirical, measurable evidence, subject to specific principles of reasoning.

Aspects Covered

  1. What is science?
  2. Experimenting
  3. Solving Problems

Resources

  • Fair Test - a Learning Federation learning object (540)

Student Outcomes

Student OutcomesText ReferencesElements of SACSA Framework
Examples of evidence include that the student:
outlines the staps in doing an experimentp 58-59Working Scientifically
identifies and controls variables in an experimentp 62-64
draws line graphs, correctly identifying the independent and dependent variablesp 66-7 wbk p 33-34(Ex 7)
designs and carries out an experiment to test a hypothesisp 72-73
compares the techniques used by scientists in different disciplinesp 74-76
describes some recent scientific contributions made by male and female scientists, including Australians, and discuss the effects of their contributionsp 74-76
uses a thermometer correctly to measure temperaturep 68KC 3 Planning and Organising
uses the skills of observing, inferring, predicting and generalisingp 59-61KC1 Using Information
inteprets information in tables and graphsp 70
makes generalisations in relation to a set of observationswbk p 32 (Ex 5)
writes a report using the headings aim, method, results and conclusionp 64KC2 Communicating Ideas and Communication (C)
demonstrates comprehension of a short passage on the work of a scientist, by introducing and thanking a guest speakerwbk p 35

Assessment

Summative Assessment
Assessment TypeWeight
Skills Worksheet2.5%
Practical Skills

Lab Skills

2.5%
Test5%