9-12 SCHOOLS

Environmental Science

Revised Summer  2001

 

PROCESS SKILLS CHECKLIST

for Core Labs

Core Lab:

 

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I.      Observing and measuring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.    Identify similar and different characteristics in a given set

 

 

 

 

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B.    Select qualitative or quantitative observations in a given set

 

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C.    Identify qualitative or quantitative changes given event conditions

 

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D.    Use SI units

 

 

 

 

 

 

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II.      Classifying based on similarities, differences, and interrelationships

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.    Use observable properties to classify objects, organisms, or events

 

 

 

 

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B.    Identify properties on which classification system is based

 

 

 

 

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C.    Place object, organism, or event  into a classification system

 

 

 

 

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III.     Experimenting by observations and measurements to test ideas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.    Arrange the steps of a science problem in logical order

 

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B.    Identify independent and dependent variables and the control

 

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C.    Use mathematics to show relationships within a set of observations

 

 

 

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D.    Identify a hypothesis for a given problem

 

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E.    Design and conduct experiments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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IV.    Interpreting data by making inferences, predictions, or conclusions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.    Select predictions based on previously observed patterns of evidence

 

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B.    Report data in an appropriate manner

 

 

 

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C.    Predict data points not included on a given graph

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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D.    Interpret line, bar, and circle graphs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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E.    Identify data which support or reject stated hypotheses

 

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F.     Accept or reject hypotheses given results of an investigation

 

 

 

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G.    Identify discrepancies between stated hypotheses and actual results

 

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H.    Select the most logical conclusion for given experimental data

 

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V.     Communicating experimental procedures and results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.    Prepare a written report describing the sequence, results, and interpretation of an investigation or event

 

 

 

 

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B.    Communicate or defend a scientific argument

 

 

 

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C.    Identify or create a graph or chart from data, table, or written description

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VI.    Modeling: Forming a mental model or physical representation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.    Select a model which explains a given set of observations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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B.    Select predictions based on models

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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C.    Compare a given model to the real world

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VII.   Safety in the science classroom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.    Recognize potential hazards within a science activity

 

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B.    Practice safety procedures in all science activities

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.    Formulate a testable hypothesis and design an experiment relating to the world

 

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B.    Design and conduct investigations in which variables are identified and controlled

 

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C.    Use a variety of technologies to collect, analyze, and display data

 

 

 

 

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D.    Formulate explanations or models, engage in discussions that encourage revisions

 

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