SCIENTIFIC SKILLS SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS MANIPULATIVE SKILLS Observing

SCIENTIFIC SKILLS SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS MANIPULATIVE SKILLS • Observing üUsing and handling science apparatus • Classifying • Measuring and using numbers üMaintaining science apparatus correctly and safely • Making inferences üCleaning science apparatus • Predicting correctly • Communicating üHandling specimen correctly and carefully Using time and space relationship, Interpreting data, Define operationally, Controlling variables, Making hypothesis, Experimenting üSketch specimen and science apparatus

WHAT ARE SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS? Ø How a scientist works, thinks and studies problems. (Friedl, 1995)

WHAT ARE SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS? Ø A way of investigation that involves specific skills which require the following steps: v Planning course of actions v Carrying out activities v Collecting data v Organising and interpreting data v Reaching a conclusion

BASIC SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS OBSERVING CLASSIFYING MEASURING AND USING NUMBERS MAKING INFERENCES PREDICTING COMMUNICATING

OBSERVING

OBSERVING Specimen given: Groundnut Activities: i. Individually, examine the specimen given. ii. Record its characteristics. iii. Put the specimen back into the box and mix the groundnut up. iv. Try to identify your specimen based on the characteristics recorded earlier.

You are observing when you are …

1. Using the five senses effectively.

2. Identifying relevant particulars of an objects and its environment.

3. Focusing on relevant particulars from massive information.

4. Identifying similarities and differences.

5. Identifying strange / unusual features.

6. Realizing changes in environment.

7. Identifying the correct sequence.

8. Using appropriate instrument(s) to enhance senses for the details. MICROSCOPE STETHOSCO PE

What is meant by observing ? Observing involves collecting information about objects or phenomenon by using the five senses : Sight Hearing Touch Taste Smell

Why do we need to observe? To compile / gather as much information as possible about objects or phenomena.

How do we observe? 1. Focus on the objects or phenomena to be studied. 2. Identify the characteristics. 3. Compare the objects or phenomena. 4. Identify changes and sequence of events. 5. Use appropriate apparatus for more detailed observations.

CLASSIFYING

You are classifying when you are….

1. Detecting similarities. Same shape Same Colour

2. Grouping objects based on certain criterion. . .

3. Using other criterion in grouping objects. . .

4. Grouping objects in different ways. . .

What is meant by classifying? Classifying is a process of grouping objects according to certain characteristics for a purpose.

When do we need to classify? When there are : • Many items or information. • Items or information are not organised.

How do we classify? 1. Identify the general characteristics of the items. 2. Sort out items of the same characteristic into their respective groups. 3. Identify other characteristics. 4. Repeat steps 1 -3 until there is only one item in each group.

MEASURING AND USING NUMBERS

You are measuring and using numbers when you are….

1. Able to count and compare quantity of items in different groups.

1. Able to count and compare quantity of items in different groups.

2. Able to recognized the pattern from a table of numbers.

3. Using numbers to record phenomenon. 0 = STOP 1 = SLOW 2 = FAST 3 = FASTEST

3. Using numbers to record phenomenon.

4. Using scales and explaining ratios.

5. Compare objects using numbers.

6. Using tools correctly.

7. Recording unit correctly.

8. Choosing and using standard unit.

9. Comparing time, distance, area and volume with relevant units.

10. Determining the accuracy in measurements. Which is more accurate?

What is meant by measuring and using numbers? Measuring and using numbers is a process of observing quantitatively using numbers and standard or standardised measuring tools as the reference unit.

Why do we need to measure and use numbers? To obtain more accurate observations.

How do we measure and use numbers? 1. Identify the measurement required. 2. Specify the instrument to be used. 3. Compare the measurement with the specific instrument. 4. Add up the total measurement.

MAKING INFERENCES

You are making inferences when you are ….

1. Using information from observations to make reasonable early conclusions.

2. Making various possible interpretations from single observation.

3. Able to identify the limitations of inferences.

4. Testing the accuracy of inferences through additional observations.

5. Using inferences as a tool to determine the appropriate additional observations.

Why do we need to infer? 1. To plan actions or to make a choice. 2. To analyse the cause and effect of decisions

How do we infer? • Observe the situations or circumstances. • State the reason why the situation or circumstances happens. • Give reasons to your statement(s). • Check if the reasons given are based on opinions or observations from the situations. If based on opinions, state why.

What is meant by making inferences? Making inferences is a process of making early conclusions by relating previous experiences with immediate observations.

PREDICTING

You are predicting when you are………. 1. Using previous or present evidence to state incoming events. 2. Able to differentiate between predicting and guessing. 3. Able to determine the outcomes from action. 4. Using pattern of date explictly to make projections.

You are predicting when you are…. 5. Confident with the accuracy of the prediction. 6. Able to verify a statement of related to future events based on evidence or past experiences.

You are predicting when you are…. 7. Being cautious in making assumption about a certain pattern of data beyond the evidence at hand. 8. Extrapolating and inserting data as a tool to predict.

Why do we need to predict? When accuracy is not essential in: i. Reducing the number of choice. ii. Planning iii. Considering choices

How do we predict? i. Observe to gather data. ii. Identify the pattern of the data. iii. Based on the pattern or past experiences, make suitable predictions.

What is meant by predicting? Predicting is a process of forecasting events based on observations and previous experiences or certain pattern of reliable data.

COMMUNICATING

You are communicating when you are…. 1. Speaking, listening or writing to express ideas or meanings. 2. Recording information from investigations. 3. Drawing and making notes. 4. Using and explaining the meaning of symbols.

You are communicating when you are…. 5. Using charts, graphs and tables to present information. 6. Posting questions clearly. 7. Using references. 8. Writing experiment report to enable others to repeat the experiment.

Why do we need to communicate? To spread ideas or information. To share ideas or information.

How do we communicate ? 1. Record information obtained from various resources. 2. Translate the information into other forms such as charts, graphs and tables. 3. Spread the information through various means and ways.

What is meant by communicating? Communicating is a process of receiving, spreading and sharing of information and ideas.