Introduction
Scientists have concluded that the ability to create and use tools is a characteristic of humans. The ability to think is an attribute or property of humans. As humans, we know how to use tools to satisfy our needs. We were able to create tools to gather food, to provide shelter, and to make our lives easier.
Scientists use tools to help with their scientific investigations. The laboratory equipment that scientist use helps them to observe, measure, collect, and gather data as they investigate their problem or question. In this lesson, we will learn about the tools that increase our knowledge beyond our five senses.
As
a young scientist, you will have a task to accomplish. To complete the
task, you will need to select the tool or tools that will help you in
your investigation. It is important that all students are able to use
science tools to conduct scientific investigations.
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Task
As a young scientist, you will have a task to accomplish. To complete the task, you will need to select the tool or tools that will help you in your investigation. It is important that all students are able to use science tools to conduct scientific investigations.
Your task is to find an investigation that is interesting to you and determine which science tool or tools will help you observe, record, measure, and collect your data or information. As a scientist, you will do the activity and demonstrate for your colleagues during a science convention.
Step
1:
You are being assigned to a cooperative group of four students. Each of you will decide on your role in the group.
| Principal Investigator | You will lead the team and investigation. |
| Communication Specialist | You will record and write in a science journal for the team and present the findings in the scientific convention. |
| Materials Manager | You are responsible for gathering the materials and monitoring safety practices for the group. |
| Project Manager | You are responsible for keeping time, keeping the group on task, and making sure all work is completed on time. |
Step 2:
We want to acquaint ourselves with the different tools scientists use in their explorations. Everyone will view the following powerpoint on science tools.
After each team has been formed and roles assigned, the principal investigator will make sure that all team members view the Powerpoint on Science Tools. After viewing the powerpoint, the principal investigator and the team will decide on a science experiment or investigation.
Science Investigation
They will also investigate a scientist who is known for the investigation or the science equipment. The team led by the communication specialist will write a summary of the scientist's life and report on the scientist or inventor during the convention. The communication specialist will demonstrate one of the scientist's experiment or illustrate their life using Powerpoint.
Using the scientific method, the team will complete the experiment or investigation using the appropriate tools. The communication specialist will present the team's findings during the science convention.
Science Investigations and Biographies
The materials manager will introduce and demonstrate their science tools to the convention. If there are any questions concerning the proper use of the equipment or the history of the equipment, the materials manager will speak for the group.
The principal investigator and the project manager will lead the demonstration of their investigation to the convention. If the team will construct their science tool, the project manager will demonstrate and explain the process for building the science equipment.
After
completing this assignment, students will attend a scientific convention
where they will listen to their peers report and demonstrate science tools,
experiments, and introduce all young scientists to science biographies.
This will help prepare you for the school's science fair.
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These
pages were developed through TeacherTECH, the teacher professional development
component of GirlTECH, which is sponsored by the Center for Excellence
and Equity in Education (CEEE) and made possible by support from the National
Science Foundation and Rice University.
Copyright © 1995 -2006 by Carolyn Monmouth
Updated:
Friday, July 7, 2006 2:52 PM
URL = http://teachertech.rice.edu/Participants/cmonmouth/