Unit 1: Preliminary Unit – Methods of Science (Intro to Course and Scientific Thinking)

Students will know how to:

-Apply the steps of the scientific method to design, evaluate, and refine scientific investigations with increased independence and complexity

-Use scientific practices to develop testable questions, construct hypotheses, and support conclusions using multi-step evidence-based reasoning

-Collect, organize, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data with emphasis on accuracy, precision, and data reliability

-Use the metric system to measure length, mass, volume, and temperature with appropriate precision and instrument selection

-Convert between metric units using dimensional reasoning and scientific notation where appropriate

-Express, interpret, and manipulate very large and very small numbers using scientific notation in data analysis contexts

-Apply concepts of accuracy, precision, and uncertainty to evaluate the quality of experimental data

-Select and justify appropriate measurement tools and evaluate how tool choice impacts data validity and reliability

-Identify sources of error (systematic and random) and explain how they affect experimental conclusions

-Demonstrate and justify lab safety procedures in both routine and inquiry-based laboratory settings

Essential Questions students will be able to answer:

-How do scientists design investigations that produce reliable and valid results?

-How do variables, controls, and experimental design choices impact scientific conclusions?

-Why is the metric system essential for consistency and communication in science?

-How does scientific notation support analysis of real scientific data involving extreme values?

-How do accuracy, precision, and uncertainty influence the interpretation of experimental results?

-How can sources of error be identified, evaluated, and minimized in scientific investigations?

-How does the quality of data affect the strength of scientific claims and explanations?

Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs):
-Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

-Analyzing and Interpreting Data

-Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

-Constructing Explanations

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
-Scale, Proportion, and Quantity

-Cause and Effect

-Systems and System Models

Demonstration of Learning

Suggested Activities/Labs:

-Unit test with multi-step data analysis and experimental design questions

-Quizzes emphasizing measurement accuracy, scientific notation, and data interpretation

-Measurement lab requiring selection of appropriate tools and justification of precision

-Error and uncertainty investigation lab analyzing sources of variation in data sets

-Graphing and data analysis tasks using real experimental datasets with emphasis on trend interpretation and reliability

NGSS Connections:

Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs):
-Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
-Analyzing and Interpreting Data
-Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
-Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
-Cause and Effect

(Foundational Unit Note)

This unit does not align with a single NGSS Performance Expectation but functions as a high-rigor foundation for all subsequent Earth, physical, and space science units, with increased emphasis on data quality, scientific reasoning, and investigation design appropriate for accelerated high school credit coursework.