Curriculum Standards Emphasized by EnvironMentors Scientific Inquiry: Raise Questions • Observe the world and identify questions of interest that can be investigated through experimentation using the Scientific Method. • Demonstrate the ability to do background research on the topic and be able to recognize credible sources. Investigate • Design an experiment with a testable hypothesis, and replicable procedure. • Identify controls, as well as independent and dependent variables. • Perform and record observations and measurements in an organized manor with consistency and precision. • Choose appropriate tools and equipment available to accurately and precisely collect data. • Properly use, store, and care for equipment, instruments, and materials. • Practice proper safety techniques throughout entire investigation. Analyze • • • •
Compare data collected from all experimental data sets. Identify possible sources of lurking variables, uncontrolled variables, and experimental or human error that may have lead to inconsistent results. Use appropriate technology such as graphing and statistical programs to analyze results. Develop a conclusion after assessing reliability of results.
Communicate • Full understanding and application of the entire Scientific Method is demonstrated through Final Research Paper. • Present and explain data comparisons from experimental data sets and trials using graphs and charts appropriate for each particular data set. • The ability to communicate effectively while referring to a clear visual display. Data Analysis and Statistics: • • •
The ability to calculate mean, median, and mode for a set of data and use terms effectively. Students design their experiments using random sampling techniques, and understand the meaning of bias and how to avoid it. Students present their data using appropriate graphical representation and are able to interpret them clearly.