A presentation used at Brock University for a Grade 7 & 8 Science A.Q. Course presented on

1. Grade 7-8 Science
Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe
around him and calls the adventure science.
~ Edwin Powell Hubble

2. What is Science?

3. The primary goal of science is to understand the natural and
human-designed worlds. Science refers to certain processes used
by humans for obtaining knowledge about nature, and to an
organized body of knowledge about nature obtained by these
processes. Science is a dynamic and creative activity with a long
and interesting history. Many societies have contributed to the
development of scientific knowledge and understanding.…
Scientists continuously assess and judge the soundness of
scientific knowledge claims by testing laws and theories, and
modifying them in light of compelling new evidence or a re-
conceptualization of existing evidence.
~Ministry of Education Curriculum

4. Science Is...
A process... a way of doing things
A body of knowledge... gained from the
process
Dynamic, creative and most
importantly...
FLUID

5. Why Take Science?!?

6. Science in Ontario
The aim of the science programme is to
make students scientifically literate
A scientifically and technologically literate person is one who can read and
understand common media reports about science and technology, critically
evaluate the information presented, and confidently engage in discussions
and decision-making activities that involve science and technology.
Ontario Curriculum Document

7. Scientifically Literate?!
The Ontario Curriculum states three
goals to help develop students who are
scientifically literate
These goals are:
to relate science and technology to society and the environment
to develop the skills, strategies and habits of mind required for
scientific inquiry and technological problem solving
to understand the basic concepts of science and technology

8. How do we “Do”
Science?

9. Birdicus Whirlycus
Your task is to learn something about
how Birdicus Whirlycus flies
Working in teams of 4, create an
experiment to explore some aspect of flight
Make sure that you record the steps that
you followed (for future publication) as
well as the results you have obtained
In your group, write a concluding
statement that represents the learning
that has occurred. You will be sharing
this statement with the whole group

10. Experiment Time!

11. A task like this teaches...
About variables and controlling variables
How to record good information and reflect on the meaning
of the information
How to create a set of steps that will be followed every time (to
ensure variable control!)
About the scientific method in the “real world” - sharing
information, drawing bigger conclusions based on
additional information
That scientists change their ideas when new information is
presented that doesn’t fit the current model

12. In Conclusion...