Module I What Is Science
Module I What Is Science
GE006 Teaching and application of Science inquiry in Physics, Earth, and Space,
strategies in teaching elementary science, development of instructional
Science in the materials, and assessment. This course focuses on developing
Elementary elementary school teacher’s pedagogical knowledge and skills in
teaching science concepts related to Physics, Earth, and Space Science.
Grades (Physics, •Course Objectives:
Earth, and • Demonstrate deep understanding of essential concepts in Physics,
Earth, and Space Science relevant to elementary education
Space Science)
• Design and implement effective inquiry-based science lessons and
activities for elementary students
• Integrate technology and hands-on learning experiences into
science instruction
• Develop appropriate assessments to measure student’s
understanding of science concepts
•Course Overview: This course focuses on developing elementary
school teacher’s pedagogical knowledge and skills in teaching
Course Title: science concepts related to Biology and Chemistry. The course will
cover basic principles in Biology and Chemistry
GE009 Teaching •Course Objectives:
Science in the • Demonstrate deep understanding of essential concepts in
Elementary Biology and Chemistry relevant to elementary education
• Design and implement effective inquiry-based science lessons
Grades (Biology and activities for elementary students
and Chemistry) • Integrate technology and hands-on learning experiences into
science instruction
• Develop appropriate assessments to measure student’s
understanding of science concepts
Course Outline
Module 1
What is Science? / Nature of Science
Module 2
The Elementary Science Curriculum
Module 3
Basic Concepts in (Physics, Earth and Space Science) (Biology and
Chemistry)
Module 4
Instructional Planning and Instructional Strategies
Module 1
WHAT IS SCIENCE?
Learning Objectives:
1. 1 Define Science
1. 2 Describe the nature of science
1. 3 Discuss the processes of science.
1. 4 Explain and make scientific observations
and inferences.
1. 1 What is Science?
Science has many definitions:
c. Science as an intellectual
activity
e. Science as a career
f. Science as problem-solving
What is Science?
h. Science as a
process
Ask a QUESTION Make a Hypothesis Test the
ACTIVITY A. hypothesis/Conduct
an experiment
Procedure:
Definition: Observing involves using the senses to gather information about the world around us. It is a
fundamental skill in science as it forms the basis for making further inquiries.
Importance: Observations provide the raw data that scientists use to formulate questions, make
hypotheses, and conduct experiments. They help in generating accurate and reliable information
about natural phenomena.
Example: In a biology lab, a student observes the behavior of a plant under different light conditions to
understand its response to light.
Communicating:
Definition: Communication in science involves effectively sharing information, data, and findings with
others. This includes written reports, oral presentations, and visual aids like graphs and charts.
Importance: Clear communication is essential for conveying research methods, results, and
conclusions to peers, educators, and the wider scientific community. It allows for collaboration,
replication, and building upon existing knowledge.
Example: A scientist presents their research findings at a conference, using slides and graphs to
illustrate key points.
Measuring:
Definition: Measuring involves determining the quantity or extent of a property or characteristic using
appropriate tools and units. It provides quantitative data for analysis.
Importance: Measurement is crucial for obtaining precise and accurate data. It enables scientists to
compare, analyze, and draw conclusions based on numerical information.
Example: A chemist measures the temperature, volume, and pressure of a chemical reaction to
calculate its rate.
Inferring:
Definition: Inferring involves making educated guesses or drawing logical conclusions based on
available evidence or observations. It often involves using reasoning skills to fill in gaps in information.
Importance: Inferences allow scientists to make predictions, propose explanations, and develop
hypotheses about natural phenomena. They guide further investigations.
Example: Based on observations of a volcano's behavior, a geologist infers that it might be entering an
active phase of eruption.
Predicting:
Definition: Predicting involves using existing knowledge or data to anticipate future outcomes or
events. It is an essential skill for testing hypotheses and planning experiments.
Importance: Predictions allow scientists to plan experiments and investigations to test their
hypotheses. They provide a framework for gathering new data and validating existing theories.
Example: A meteorologist predicts the weather for the next week based on current atmospheric
conditions and weather patterns.
Classifying:
Definition: Classifying involves organizing objects, organisms, or concepts into groups based on shared
characteristics. It helps in understanding relationships and patterns within a set of data.
Importance: Classification aids in simplifying complex information, making it easier to analyze and
draw conclusions. It is a fundamental step in organizing scientific knowledge.
Example: A biologist classifies different species of birds based on common features like beak shape,
wing structure, and nesting habits.
Observing and Inferring
We infer when we try to figure out why and how an event happened, but we’re not able to
observe the event directly as it happened in the past. Just like in a crime investigation, we try to examine
evidence or clues that we find in a crime scene and try to figure out how the crime happened, who did it, and
why.
Activity 1:
Objectives:
Differentiate observation and inference.
Make observations and inferences.
What do we need to make "good" observations and inferences?
OBSERVATIONS INFERENCES
Answer the following questions?
1. What senses can be used in making an observation?
2. Why is it important to enhance the skill of observing
3. What is communication in science?
4. How can you enhance the skill of communication among your
future students?
5. Why is it important to learn about measurement?
6. How can you teach children what measurement is and why is
it important?
7. Study how supermarkets classify the things they sell? What is
their basis of classification?
8. In your own words, explain what inferring means. Why is it
important to learn how to infer?
9. How is predicting different from inferring? Why is this process
important?