Students will apply inquiry and problem-solving approaches in science and technology. Students will be able to:

1. Make accurate observations using appropriate tools and units of measure.

2. Conduct scientific investigations: make observations, collect and analyze data, and do experiments.

3. Use results in a purposeful way: design fair tests, make predictions based on observed patterns, and interpret data to make further predictions.

4. Design and build an invention.

5. Explain how differences in time, place, or experimenter can lead to different data.

6. Explain how different conclusions can be derived from the same data.

Students will apply inquiry and problem-solving approaches in science and technology. Students will be able to:

1. Make accurate observations using appropriate tools and units of measure.

2. Ask questions and propose strategies and materials to use in seeking answers to questions.

3. Use results in a purposeful way, which includes making predictions based on patterns they have observed.

4. Identify products which were invented to solve a problem.

Students will learn to formulate and justify ideas and to make informed decisions. Students will be able to:

1. Give alternative explanations for observed phenomena.

2. Describe how feelings can distort reasoning.

3. Draw conclusions about observations.

4. Use various types of evidence (e.g., logical, quantitative) to support a claim.

5. Demonstrate an understanding that ideas are more believable when supported by good reasons.

6. Practice and apply simple logic, intuitive thinking, and brainstorming.

Students will learn to formulate and justify ideas and to make informed decisions. Students will be able to:

1. Examine strengths and weaknesses of simple arguments.

2. Distinguish between important and unimportant information in simple arguments.

3. Make observations.

4. Participate in brainstorming activities.

5. Use various forms of simple logic.

6. Discover relationships and patterns.

Students will communicate effectively in the application of science and technology. Students will be able to:

1. Record results of experiments or activities (e.g., interviews, discussions, field work) and summarize and communicate what they have learned.

2. Ask clarifying and extending questions.

3. Reflect on work in science and technology using such activities as discussions, journals, and self-assessment.

4. Make and/or use sketches, tables, graphs, physical representations, and manipulatives to explain procedures and ideas.

5. Gather and effectively present information, using a variety of media including computers (e.g., spreadsheets, word processing, programming, graphics, modeling).

6. Cite examples of bias in information sources and question the validity of information from varied sources.

7. Function effectively in groups within various assigned roles (e.g., reader, recorder).

Students will communicate effectively in the application of science and technology. Students will be able to:

1. Describe and compare things in terms of number, shape, texture, size, weight, color, and behavior.

2. Read and write instructions to be followed or instructions which explain procedures.

3. Ask clarifying questions.

4. Explain problem-solving processes using verbal, pictorial, and written methods.

5. Make and read simple graphs.

6. Use objects and pictures to represent scientific and technological ideas.