Scientific+Investigation+and+Reasoning+Skills

Scientific Investigation and Reasoning Skills

These skills will not be listed under a separate reporting category. Instead, they will be incorporated into at least 40% of the test questions in reporting categories 1–4 and will be identified along with content standards.

Grade 8

(8.1) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student, for at least 40% of instructional time, conduct laboratory and field investigations following safety procedures and environmentally appropriate and ethical practices. The student is expected to

(A) demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations as outlined in the Texas Safety Standards; and (B) practice appropriate use and conservation of resources, including disposal, reuse, or recycling of materials. (8.2) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and field investigations. The student is expected to (A) plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, and using appropriate equipment and technology; (B) design and implement comparative and experimental investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using appropriate equipment and technology; (C) collect and record data using the International System of Units (SI) and qualitative means such as labeled drawings, writing, and graphic organizers; (D) construct tables and graphs, using repeated trials and means, to organize data and identify patterns; and (E) analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions supported by the data, and predict trends.

STAAR Grade 8 Science Page 11 of 12

Texas Education Agency

Student Assessment Division

Fall 2010

(8.3) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving to make informed decisions and know the contributions of relevant scientists. The student is expected to (A) in all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student; (B) use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as an atom, a molecule, space, or a geologic feature; (C) identify advantages and limitations of models such as size, scale, properties, and materials; and (D) relate the impact of research on scientific thought and society, including the history of science and contributions of scientists as related to the content. (8.4) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student knows how to use a variety of tools and safety equipment to conduct science inquiry. The student is expected to (A) use appropriate tools to collect, record, and analyze information, including lab journals/notebooks, beakers, meter sticks, graduated cylinders, anemometers, psychrometers, hot plates, test tubes, spring scales, balances, microscopes, thermometers, calculators, computers, spectroscopes, timing devices, and other equipment as needed to teach the curriculum; and (B) use preventative safety equipment, including chemical splash goggles, aprons, and gloves, and be prepared to use emergency safety equipment, includi