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Explain the difference between an experiment and other types of scientific investigation, and explain the relative benefits and limitations of each.
Standard #: SC.6.N.1.3
Standard Information
General Information
Subject Area: Science
Grade: 6
Body of Knowledge: Nature of Science
Idea: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning
Big Idea: The Practice of Science -

A: Scientific inquiry is a multifaceted activity; The processes of science include the formulation of scientifically investigable questions, construction of investigations into those questions, the collection of appropriate data, the evaluation of the meaning of those data, and the communication of this evaluation.

B: The processes of science frequently do not correspond to the traditional portrayal of "the scientific method."

C: Scientific argumentation is a necessary part of scientific inquiry and plays an important role in the generation and validation of scientific knowledge.

D: Scientific knowledge is based on observation and inference; it is important to recognize that these are very different things. Not only does science require creativity in its methods and processes, but also in its questions and explanations.
Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Content Complexity Rating: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Assessed: Yes
Related Courses
Related Access Points
  • SC.6.N.1.In.3 # Identify that scientists can use different kinds of experiments, methods, and explanations to find answers to scientific questions.
  • SC.6.N.1.Su.3 # Recognize that scientists perform experiments, make observations, and gather evidence to answer scientific questions.
  • SC.6.N.1.Pa.3 # Recognize that people conduct activities and share information about science.
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  • Investigation vs. Experiment # This lesson explains and demonstrates the difference between an investigation and an experiment. This lesson includes teacher presentation and hands-on activities that will keep your students engaged. This lesson is very interactive and can be spread over several day. Each student should be recording their own individual data to simply get used to the process of collecting data. However the teacher can decide if the students will work in groups for the Final presentation. This lesson can lead into lessons for the following benchmarks:
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  • Experiences and Experiments - There is a Difference # Students have had many experiences in science and have participated in and designed simple investigations. This lesson directs students in identifying the steps of experimentation. While microorganisms are the topic and the subject of the experimentation, the emphasis and learning should center on scientific steps and processes of scientific experiments. Designing and conducting an experiment involves an integration or combining of science process skills.
Original Student Tutorial
  • Let's Investigate! # Investigate the benefits and limitations of experiments, observational studies, and comparative studies with this interactive tutorial.
Original Student Tutorials Science - Grades K-8
  • Let's Investigate! # Investigate the benefits and limitations of experiments, observational studies, and comparative studies with this interactive tutorial.
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