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Scientists and Society

Scientists and Society

TEKS Objective

The student is expected to connect grade-level appropriate science concepts with the history of science, science careers, and contributions of scientists.


Essential Understanding

The student uses critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions.

Science Background

What Do Scientists Do? Try Science (website) - There are many types of science careers, of course, but there are even more jobs that rely on science. Read about the importance of science careers, the people who do these jobs, and strategies for engaging students in discussion about them.

What Do Scientists Do?
Try Science (website), www.tryscience.org

Signature Lesson

Scientists: Cornell Center for Materials Research (website) - Multi-lesson unit in which students connect science concepts with the careers and contributions of famous scientists, and also create a questionnaire with which to gather information from a real scientist.

Scientists
Cornell Center for Materials Research (website), www.ccmr.cornell.edu

Supporting Lessons

The Lives of Four Famous Scientist: Core Knowledge (PDF) - Students research the work and primary contributions of four scientists from different periods in history.

The Lives of Four Famous Scientist
Core Knowledge (PDF), www.coreknowledge.org

Elaboration Lessons and Extensions

Scientist Wanted Poster Project: Alabama Learning Exchange (website) - Students research important scientists and select one, for whom they create a “wanted poster” that features the work, life and major accomplishments of that scientist.

Scientist Wanted Poster Project
Alabama Learning Exchange (website), www.alex.state.al.us

Assessment Ideas

Minority and Female Contributions to Science and Industry: Inventions.org (website) - Have each student choose one scientist from the list on this site, and create a poster illustrating that scientist’s achievements, successes and contributions.

Minority and Female Contributions to Science and Industry
Inventions.org (website), www.inventions.org

Literature Connections

What is a Scientist? Lehn, B. (ISBN-13: 978-0761312987)

Scientist Ask Questions. Garrett, G. (ISBN-13: 978-0516246628)

Related Science TEKS

(4.2A) Plan and Implement Descriptive Investigation 
The student is expected to plan and implement descriptive investigations, including asking well-defined questions, making inferences, and selecting and using appropriate equipment or technology to answer his/her questions.

(4.2B) Collect Data
The student is expected to collect and record data by observing and measuring, using the metric system, and using descriptive words and numerals such as labeled drawings, writing, and concept maps.

(4.2C) Graphs, Tables, Charts  
The student is expected to construct simple tables, charts, bar graphs, and maps using tools and current technology to organize, examine, and evaluate data.

(4.2D) Analyze Evidence and Explain  
The student is expected to analyze data and interpret patterns to construct reasonable explanations from data that can be observed and measured.

(4.2E) Value of Repeated Experiments  
The student is expected to perform repeated investigations to increase the reliability of results.

(4.2F) Communicate Conclusions   
The student is expected to communicate valid, oral, and written results supported by data.

(4.3A) Analyze, Evaluate and Critique Explanations  
The student is expected to in all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student.

(4.3C) Develop a Model  
The student is expected to represent the natural world using models such as rivers, stream tables, or fossils and identify their limitations, including accuracy and size

4.4 Science Tools   
The student knows how to use a variety of tools, materials, equipment, and models to conduct science inquiry.

(4.4A) Tools for Collecting and Analyzing Information  
The student is expected to collect, record, and analyze information using tools, including calculators, microscopes, cameras, computers, hand lenses, metric rulers, Celsius thermometers, mirrors, spring scales, pan balances, triple beam balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, hot plates, meter sticks, compasses, magnets, collecting nets, and notebooks; timing devices, including clocks and stopwatches; and materials to support observation of habitats of organisms such as terrariums and aquariums.

(4.4B) Safety Equipment  
The student is expected to use safety equipment as appropriate, including safety goggles and gloves.

Related Math TEKS

4.11A  The student is expected to estimate and use measurement tools to determine length (including perimeter), area, capacity and weight/mass using standard units SI (metric) and customary.

4.11B   The student is expected to perform simple conversions between different units of length, between different units of capacity, and between different units of weight within the customary measurement system.

4.11C   The student is expected to use concrete models of standard cubic units to measure volume.

4.11D  The student is expected to estimate volume in cubic units.

4.11E   The student is expected to explain the difference between weight and mass.

4.12A  The student is expected to use a thermometer to measure temperature and changes in temperature.

4.12B   The student is expected to use tools such as a clock with gears or a stopwatch to solve problems involving elapsed time.

4.13A  The student is expected to use concrete objects or pictures to make generalizations about determining all possible combinations of a given set of data or of objects in a problem situation.

4.13B   The student is expected to interpret bar graphs.

4.14A  The student is expected to identify the mathematics in everyday situations.

4.14B   The student is expected to solve problems that incorporate understanding the problem, making a plan, carrying out the plan, and evaluating the solution for reasonableness.

4.14C   The student is expected to select or develop an appropriate problem-solving plan or strategy, including drawing a picture, looking for a pattern, systematic guessing and checking, acting it out, making a table, working a simpler problem, or working backwards to solve a problem.

Additional Resources

Timeline of Scientific Discoveries: Wikipedia (website) - Important scientific discoveries made by scientist from the 3rd century to present day are listed.

Timeline of Scientific Discoveries
www.en.wikipedia.org

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