Introduction to Science
Science Binder Organization and Portfolio Expectations – a handout to be placed at the front of your notebook. The information in the handout provides an overview of how you should organize your notebook and the purpose of the science portfolio. Your notebook will be subject to review at various times throughout the year. You must keep it organized at all times.
Textbooks – the cost to replace your Science Probe 8 Textbook is over $120. Do not write in this text and keep it clean and dry at all times. Any damage to the textbook will be the student’s responsibility. Please look over the textbook carefully and report any damage on the sign out sheet. Examples of a damage report include – water damage, page rips, graffiti, etc. Unusable textbooks should be reported to the teacher immediately for replacement.
Textbook Scavenger Hunt – Get to know your textbook by going through it to find useful tips, as well as safety and lab equipment information. Students should read the Science Probe 8 Preface (pgs. viii – 1) and get started on the Skills Handbook (pgs. 373 – 418). The Skills Handbook Info and Question Package is a required assignment and will be due: TBA – see the homework board for details in class.
What is SCIENCE?
Science is “the systematic gathering of information about the physical and natural world through various forms of observation.”
The main product of science is knowledge in the form of FACTS, LAWS, & THEORIES about the natural world.
The main goal of science is to understand the natural world.
Scientists gain an understanding of nature through careful observation and experimentation.
Scientists describe nature using evidence gained by the five senses – touch, taste, smell, vision & hearing.
The knowledge acquired through the application of these scientific principles is referred to as Empirical Knowledge.
Indigenous Knowledge is acquired through personal experience and the passage of long-standing local traditions and understandings about the natural world; specifically knowledge of local plants, animals, weather and landforms. Indigenous knowledge has been around far longer than modern science and provides an amazingly diverse array of information that could not be obtained in a lab.
Safety First – Review safety information and discuss the importance of taking a first aid course.
Lab Equipment – measuring tools, microscopes, balances and more.
Writing A Lab Report – See page 412-413 of Science Probe 8 textbook for details.