Knowledge and Skills Statement
Scientific and engineering practices. The student asks questions, identifies problems, and plans and safely conducts classroom, laboratory, and field investigations to answer questions, explain phenomena, or design solutions using appropriate tools and models.
Supporting Information
Research
Britannica Kids. 2023. “Science Tools.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Science-Tools/628800. Accessed 29 Nov. 2022.
Summary: Students should understand the importance of science tools and how to use them safely. Scientists use tools to help them accurately collect data and draw conclusions. This article provides examples of teaching students how to safely use common science tools.
Research
Lewis, Scott, and George E. O’Brien. 2012. “The Mediating Role of Scientific Tools for Elementary School Students Learning about the Everglades in the Field and Classroom.” International Journal of Environmental & Science Education 7, no. 3 (July 2012): 433–458. files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ990527.pdf. Accessed August 11, 2022.
Summary: In this article, the authors describe a study of an elementary school class using various tools for an ongoing scientific investigation. It examines how tools can be used in different ways depending on whether students are using these tools in the classroom, or at the secondary site.