PROCESS SKILLS CHECKLIST

for Core Labs

Core Lab:

I. Observe and Measure

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

2. Use appropriate tools (e.g. microscope, pipette, metric ruler, graduated cylinder, thermometer, balances, stopwatches, etc.) when measuring cells, organisms, populations, and ecosystems

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 cells, organisms, populations, and ecosystems

II. Classify based on similarities, differences, and interrelationships

1. Use observable properties to place cells, organisms, and/or events into a biological classification system

2. Identify the properties on which a biological classification system is based

III. Experiment by making observations and measurements to test ideas

1. Evaluate the design of a biology laboratory investigation

2. Identify independent and dependent variables and the control

3. Use mathematics to show relationships within a set of observations (e.g. population studies, biomass, probability, etc.)

4. Identify a hypothesis for a given problem

5. 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. Select predictions based on previously observed patterns of evidence

2. Report data in an appropriate manner