Scientific investigation and reasoning

The student conducts classroom and outdoor investigations following home and school safety procedures and environmentally appropriate and ethical practices. The student is expected to:

Demonstrate safe practices and the use of safety equipment as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards during classroom and outdoor investigations using safety equipment, including safety goggles or chemical splash goggles, as appropriate, and gloves, as appropriate; and

Make informed choices in the conservation, disposal, and recycling of materials.

The student uses scientific practices during laboratory and outdoor investigations. The student is expected to:

Describe, plan, and implement simple experimental investigations testing one variable;

Ask well defined questions, formulate testable hypotheses, and select and use appropriate equipment and technology;

Collect and record information using detailed observations and accurate measuring;

Analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations from direct (observable) and indirect (inferred) evidence;

Demonstrate that repeated investigations may increase the reliability of results;

Communicate valid conclusions in both written and verbal forms; and

Construct appropriate simple graphs, tables, maps, and charts using technology, including computers, to organize, examine, and evaluate information.

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

Analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing;

Draw or develop a model that represents how something that cannot be seen such as the Sun, Earth, and Moon system and formation of sedimentary rock works or looks; and

Connect grade-level appropriate science concepts with the history of science, science careers, and contributions of scientists.

The student knows how to use a variety of tools and methods to conduct science inquiry. The student is expected to

Collect, record, and analyze information using tools, including calculators, microscopes, cameras, computers, hand lenses, metric rulers, Celsius thermometers, prisms, mirrors, balances, spring scales, graduated cylinders, beakers, hot plates, meter sticks, magnets, collecting nets, and notebooks; timing devices; and materials to support observations of habitats or organisms such as terrariums and aquariums.