SOL Study Book Fifth Grade Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic

SOL Study Book Fifth Grade Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic

Table of Contents Page 1: Measurement Page 2: Measuring Instruments Page 3: Data Collection, Recording, and Reporting Page 4-5: Investigation Page 6: Classification Page 7-8: Practice Questions

Measurement Measurement is a quantitative observation of LENGTH, MASS, VOLUME, TEMPERATURE, or ELAPSED TIME. Estimation is the general description of a measurement based on prior experience with that type of measurement using a familiar unit of measurement. Length is the linear distance between two points. The basic unit of length is the meter. Mass is the amount of matter in an object. The basic unit of mass is the gram. Volume is the amount of space taken up by an object. The basic unit of volume is the liter. Temperature is the amount of heat given off by an object. Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius ( o C). Elapsed time is the amount of time that passes from the beginning to the end of an event. Elapsed time is measured using seconds, minutes, and hours. Page 1

Measuring Instruments The instrument used for measuring length is the meter stick or metric ruler. The units of measure for length include millimeters, centimeters, meters, and kilometers. The instrument used for measuring mass is the balance. The units of measure for mass include grams and kilograms The instrument used for measuring volume is the graduated cylinder. The units of measure for volume include milliliters and liters The instrument used for measuring temperature is the thermometer. The unit of measure for temperature is degrees Celsius. The instrument used for measuring elapsed time is the chronograph (stopwatch). Page 2

Data Collection, Recording, and Reporting Systematic investigations require organized reporting of data. Presentation of data can make it easier to see important patterns, trends, and relationships. Charts and tables display an organized report of data. Bar graphs display a visual report of discrete data (individual numerical values). Line graphs display a visual report of continuous data (changes in numerical values over time). A scientific prediction is a forecast about what may happen in some future situation based on facts, trends, and patterns. Page 3

Investigation Scientific investigation is a systematic test conducted to determine the answer to a scientific question. The systematic steps in a scientific investigation include: State scientific question: What effect will this action cause? Form an hypothesis: What do you think will happen? If this action is performed, then this result will occur. List all necessary materials: What items and measurement instruments will be needed to perform the investigation? List procedures: Follow steps necessary to conduct investigation. Analyze manipulated (independent) and responding (dependent) variables. Record observations and inferences: Write a description of what can be witnessed and what can be concluded from evidence. Draw Conclusions: Use observations and inferences to answer the scientific question that was investigated. Compare the answer to the hypothesis. Page 4

Variable: A change that takes place in an investigation. Manipulated Variable (independent variable): The part of the investigation that is deliberately changed in order to produce an unknown result. It is independent of any other action since it is changed deliberately. Responding Variable (dependent variable): The part of the investigation that changes as a result of some other action. It is dependent because it changes, or responds, to another action. Constant: The part of the investigation that is not changed so that the responding variable can be fairly compared. Observations: Statements that report what is directly witnessed in an investigation. Qualitative Observations: Observations based on information gathered using senses. (An observed quality of something). Quantitative Observations: Observations of information gathered using instruments of measurement that produce numerical data. (An observed quantity of something). Inferences: Statements that report what can be concluded about observations based on prior knowledge and experience. Page 5

Classification A classification key is an important tool used to help identify objects and organisms. A classification key consists of a branching set of choices organized in levels, with most levels of the key having two choices. Each level provides more specific descriptors, eventually leading to identification. Page 6

Practice Questions