Activity #4

A.4.2 When faced with a science-related problem, decide what evidence, models, or explanations previously studied can be used to better understand what is happening now

When in high school we always used the scientific method and I think it is appropriate for almost every situation. When trying to understand what is happening it is important to figure out what other people have already experimented with so you don’t repeat it. The past is said to repeat itself, so when you see it happen once, it is likely to happen again. For example: we are said to be going through global warming right now and that would explain why we don’t really have a winter anymore and many studies have been done to show that this is happening.

B.4.1 Use encyclopedias, source books, texts, computers, teachers, parents, other adults, journals, popular press, and various other sources, to help answer science-related questions and plan investigations

Throughout school I have seen how important the use of technology and other resources is. We do not know it all, and therefore, finding useful information from credible sources is really helpful and helps expand our knowledge. Many experiments that are tried have already been done before. It is important to talk to others and research the information to search for outcomes of the experiment. Also, when talking to other people, it is good to get another opinion or outlook on the investigation to broaden your thoughts. I have done many research papers in high school and college which I had to have many different sources of information to prove my point or argument for the given assignment.

C.4.7 Support their conclusions with logical arguments

When concluding your findings, we always had to try the experiment more than one time to make sure it was accurate. Also, researching, once again, is crucial to coming to conclusions. If we just say that it happened, that isn’t enough because there is no proof. It is important to research and find supporting information for your idea. In high school we had to show proof of our findings in order for it to be logical and cite our sources.

D.4.3. Understand that substances can exist in different states-solid, liquid, gas

In high school chemistry we had to do many labs and experiments with solids, liquids and gases. Water is one substance that can be a solid, liquid, or gas. And we did this by freezing, boiling (water vapor), and keeping the water at room temperature.

E.4.1 Investigate that earth materials are composed of rocks and soils and correctly use the vocabulary for rocks, minerals, and soils during these investigations

In Biology we had to investigate many different rocks. We learned about the igneous, metamorphic, and graphite. We looked at their texture, weight, and where they came from. We made marks on paper to see if it would rub off.

F.4.1 Discover* how each organism meets its basic needs for water, nutrients, protection, and energy* in order to survive

In Biology we learned about the necessities of life of food, water, shelter, and air. We learned about the different parts of the world, like the tropical rainforest, desert, etc. and how different animals in those areas met their basic needs of life. Much of this was revolved around the concept of photosynthesis.

G.4.2 Discover* what changes in technology have occurred in a career chosen by a parent, grandparent, or an adult friend over a long period of time

The use of cell phones and texting, computers, IPADS, and email have changed over time tremendously. In today’s time, we can contact people immediately, even if they are not at work. Today’s technology enables workers in a career field to be able to retrieve information immediately. This speeds up the process in businesses and tends to become less work for many people. They used to have to wait days to receive information and look through books to find answers. Now all information can be accessed by the click of a button because everything you need to know can be found online!

H.4.2 Using the science themes*, identify* local and state issues that are helped by science and technology and explain* how science and technology can also cause a problem

Today we hear about tons of diseases and causes of cancer that no one had ever heard about in the past. Since technology is so far advanced, there are many new discoveries that almost make it seem like nothing is safe to eat or do anymore! For example, heating up plastic is said to cause cancer. So, people do not like to heat up baby bottles in the microwave. Further, they have all of these cups and water bottles that are BPA free.