Alaska Science
Key Element B2

Performance Standard Level 4, Ages 15–18

Students conduct primary scientific research and use sophisticated instrumentation and technology to design, modify, and conduct a series of experiments related to a multifaceted problem in the natural or designed world.

Sample Assessment Ideas

• Students examine the viscosity of different oils and greases (Arctic and non-Arctic) at different temperatures. Identify possible effects of using each oil or grease on the performance of equipment operated in severe cold weather.

• Students determine what oils and wicks work best in traditional lamps. Variables to consider include effectiveness, durability; traditional oils (bear, moose, seal, walrus) and modern oils (kerosene, stove, cooking, motor).

Standards Cross-References
( Alaska Department of Education & Early Development Standards)

National Science Education Standards

Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations. Students should formulate a testable hypothesis and demonstrate the logical connections between the scientific concepts guiding a hypothesis and the design of an experiment. They should demonstrate appropriate procedures, a knowledge base, and conceptual understanding of scientific investigations. (Page 175)

Design and conduct scientific investigations. Designing and conducting a scientific investigation requires introduction to the major concepts in the area being investigated, proper equipment, safety precautions, assistance with methodological problems, recommendations for use of technologies, clarification of ideas that guide the inquiry, and scientific knowledge obtained from sources other than the actual investigation. The investigation may also require student clarification of the question, method, controls, and variables; student organization and display of data; student revision of methods and explanations; and a public presentation of the results with a critical response from peers. Regardless of the scientific investigation performed, students must use evidence, apply logic, and construct an argument for their proposed explanations. (Page 175)

Scientists conduct investigations for a wide variety of reasons. For example, they may wish to discover new aspects of the natural world, explain recently observed phenomena, or test the conclusions of prior investigations or the predictions of current theories. (Page 176)

Benchmarks