ScienceSkills
Working as aScientist
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Science is the study of the world around us. The word itself comes from the Latin word scire, which means ‘to know’. But science is not just about knowing things – it is about asking questions about the world, making observations, investigating and experimenting, and then using data to determine facts.
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What is science?
Who are scientists?
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There are many branches of science, and many types of scientist. A zoologist studies animals and their behaviours; a geologist studies the Earth and what it is made of; and a physicist studies energy and how things work.
Chemists working in a laboratory
A botanist researching plants
A geologist studying rocks
An astronomer studying the stars
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They all use a common approach called the scientific method. By being curious about the world around you, practising the scientific method and developing your skills, you can be a scientist too.
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Ask
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Observe the world around you.
Report Observe
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Ask a question.
Observe
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Report what you learned.
The scientific method Record
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Observe and record what happens.
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Develop
Develop a hypothesis (idea).
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Test Test this hypothesis by doing an experiment.
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Learn about materials and change by cooking and baking. Learn about the weather and taking measurements by making a rain gauge. Get green fingered – plant seeds and watch the changes. Identify different items at home that use energy, and find out how they are powered, for example by electricity, gas, oil or solar power. Get to know your local habitat – observe the animals around you.
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How to be a scientist at home
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Let’s discuss 1 Which skill do you think is the most important for a scientist? Why? 2 What branch of science do you think would be the most interesting to study? Why?
16 00 Edco Explore with Me 5 Prelims.indd 16
16/02/2022 12:27
