6th Grade Physical Science Process Skills

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

January 2003 Revision

PROCESS SKILLS CHECKLIST

for Core Labs

Core Lab:

I. Observe and Measure

1. Identify qualitative or quantitative changes given conditions (e.g. temperature, mass, volume, time, position, length, etc.) before, during, and after an event

2. Use appropriate tools (e.g., metric ruler, graduated cylinder, thermometer, balances, spring scales, stopwatches, etc.) to measure objects, organisms, and/or events

3. Use appropriate SI units (i.e. grams, meters, liters, degrees Celsius, and seconds); and SI prefixes (i.e. micro-, milli-, centi-, and kilo-) when measuring objects, organisms, and/or events

II. Classify based on similarities, differences, and interrelationships

1. Using observable properties, place an object, organism, and/or event into a classification system (e.g. dichotomous keys)

2. Identify properties by which a set of objects, organisms, or events could be ordered

III. Experiment by making observations and measurements to test ideas

1. Ask questions about the world and design investigations that lead to scientific inquiry

2. Evaluate the design of a scientific investigation.

3. Identify variables and/or controls in an experimental set-up (i.e., tested, experimental, and measured variables)

4. Identify a testable hypothesis for an experiment

5. Design and conduct experiments

6. Recognize potential hazards and practice safety procedures in activities

IV. Interpret and Communicate data by making inferences, predictions, or conclusions and by describing, recording, and reporting procedures and results

1. Report data in an appropriate method, given a procedure or data

2. Interpret data tables, line, bar, trend, and/or circle graphs

3. Evaluate data to develop reasonable explanations and/or predictions

4. Accept or reject hypotheses when given results of an investigation

5. Communicate scientific procedures and explanations

V. Inquiry: the opportunity to ask a question, formulate a procedure, and observe phenomena

A. Use systematic observations, make accurate measurements, and identify and control variables

B. Use technology to gather data and analyze results of investigations

C. Review data, summarize data, and form logical conclusions

D. Formulate and evaluate explanations by examining and comparing evidence, pointing out statements that go beyond evidence, and suggesting alternative explanations