MCAS Skills
II. SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY SKILLS STANDARDS Scientific literacy can be achieved as students inquire about chemical phenomena. The curriculum should include substantial hands-on laboratory and field experiences, as appropriate, for students to develop and use scientific skills in chemistry, along with the inquiry skills listed below. SIS1. Make observations, raise questions, and formulate hypotheses. • Observe the world from a scientific perspective. • Pose questions and form hypotheses based on personal observations, scientific articles, experiments, and knowledge. • Read, interpret, and examine the credibility and validity of scientific claims in different sources of information, such as scientific articles, advertisements, or media stories. SIS2. Design and conduct scientific investigations. • Articulate and explain the major concepts being investigated and the purpose of an investigation. • Select required materials, equipment, and conditions for conducting an experiment. • Identify independent and dependent variables. • Write procedures that are clear and replicable. • Employ appropriate methods for accurately and consistently o making observations o making and recording measurements at appropriate levels of precision o collecting data or evidence in an organized way • Properly use instruments, equipment, and materials (e.g., scales, probeware, meter sticks, microscopes, computers) including set-up, calibration (if required), technique, maintenance, and storage. • Follow safety guidelines. SIS3. Analyze and interpret results of scientific investigations. • Present relationships between and among variables in appropriate forms. o Represent data and relationships between and among variables in charts and graphs. o Use appropriate technology (e.g., graphing software) and other tools. • Use mathematical operations to analyze and interpret data results. • Assess the reliability of data and identify reasons for inconsistent results, such as sources of error or uncontrolled conditions. • Use results of an experiment to develop a conclusion to an investigation that addresses the initial questions and supports or refutes the stated hypothesis. • State questions raised by an experiment that may require further investigation. 72 Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering? Curriculum Framework, October 2006
Chemistry, High School Learning Standards for a Full First-Year Course SIS4. Communicate and apply the results of scientific investigations. • Develop descriptions of and explanations for scientific concepts that were a focus of one or more investigations. • Review information, explain statistical analysis, and summarize data collected and analyzed as the result of an investigation. • Explain diagrams and charts that represent relationships of variables. • Construct a reasoned argument and respond appropriately to critical comments and questions. • Use language and vocabulary appropriately, speak clearly and logically, and use appropriate technology (e.g., presentation software) and other tools to present findings. • Use and refine scientific models that simulate physical processes or phenomena. III. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Students are expected to know the content of the Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework, through grade 8. Below are some specific skills from the Mathematics Framework that students in this course should have the opportunity to apply: Construct and use tables and graphs to interpret data sets. Solve simple algebraic expressions. Perform basic statistical procedures to analyze the center and spread of data. Measure with accuracy and precision (e.g., length, volume, mass, temperature, time) Convert within a unit (e.g., centimeters to meters). Use common prefixes such as milli-, centi-, and kilo-. Use scientific notation, where appropriate. Use ratio and proportion to solve problems. The following skills are not detailed in the Mathematics Framework, but are necessary for a solid understanding in this course: Determine the correct number of significant figures. Determine percent error from experimental and accepted values. Use appropriate metric/standard international (SI) units of measurement for mass (g); length (cm); and time (s). Use the Celsius and Kelvin scales. Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering? Curriculum Framework, October 2006 73