Science Fair Standards

(characteristics of science)

Science Fair is a whole lot of fun. But it is fun with a purpose. We want our fourth-graders to learn the characteristics of good science. These are major objectives that are included in the Georgia Performance Standards for Fourth Grade.

Fourth grade students should carry out investigations to provide a foundation of concrete experience for the abstract understandings of physical science in upper grades.

S4CS1 Students will be aware of the importance of curiosity, honesty, openness, and skepticism in science and will exhibit these traits in their own efforts to understand how the world works.

1. Keep records of investigations and observations and do not alter the records later.

2. Carefully distinguish observations from ideas and speculation about those observations.

3. Offer reasons for findings and consider reasons suggested by others.

4. Take responsibility for understanding the importance of being safety conscious.

S4CS2 Students will have the computation and estimation skills necessary for analyzing data and

following scientific explanations.

1. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers mentally, on paper, and with a calculator.

2. Use fractions and decimals, and translate between decimals and commonly encountered fractions- halves, thirds, fourths, fifths, tenths, and hundredths (but not sixths, sevenths, and so on) in scientific calculations.

3. Judge whether measurements and computations of quantities, such as lengths, area, volume, weight, or time, are reasonable answers to scientific problems by comparing them to typical values.

S4CS3 Students will use tools and instruments for observing, measuring, and manipulating objects in scientific activities utilizing safe laboratory procedures.

1. Choose appropriate common materials for making simple mechanical constructions and repairing things.

2. Measure and mix dry and liquid materials in prescribed amounts, exercising reasonable safety.

3. Use computers, cameras, and recording devices for capturing information.

4. Identify and practice accepted safety procedures in manipulating science materials and equipment.

S4CS4 Students will use ideas of system, model, change, and scale in exploring scientific and technological matters.

1. Observe and describe how parts influence one another in things with many parts.

2. Use geometric figures, numbers sequences, graphs, diagrams, sketches, number lines, maps, and stories to represent corresponding features of objects, events, and processes in the real world. Identify ways in which the representations do not match their original counterparts.

3. Identify patterns of change in things-such as steady, repetitive, or irregular change- using records, tables, or graphs of measurements where appropriate.

S4CS5 Students will communicate scientific ideas and activities clearly.

1. Write instructions that others can follow in carrying out a scientific procedure.

2. Make sketches to aid in explaining scientific procedures or ideas.

3. Use numerical data in describing and comparing objects and events.

4. Locate scientific information in reference books, back issues of newspapers and magazines, CD-ROMs, and computer databases.

S4CS6 Students will question scientific claims and arguments effectively.

1. Support statements with facts found in books, articles, and databases, and identify sources used.

2. Identify when comparisons might not be fair because some conditions are different.

S4CS7 Students will be familiar with the character of scientific knowledge and how it is achieved.

Students will recognize that:

1. Similar scientific investigations seldom produce exactly the same results, which may differ due to unexpected differences in whatever is being investigated, unrecognized differences in the methods or circumstances of the investigation, or observational uncertainties.

2. Some scientific knowledge is very old and yet is still applicable today.

S4CS8 Students will understand important features of the process of scientific inquiry.

Students will apply the following to inquiry learning practices:

1. Scientific investigations may take many different forms, including observations what things are like or what is happening somewhere, collecting specimens for analysis, and doing experiments.

2. Clear and active communication is an essential part of doing science. It enables scientists to inform others about their work, expose their ideas to criticism by other scientists, and stay informed about scientific discoveries around the world.

3. Scientists use technology to increase their power to observe things to measure and compare things accurately.

4. Science involves many different kinds of work and engages men and women of all ages and backgrounds.