Practices = Scientific Method

[cobrien]

The purpose of the practices are a context in which to learn science.  They show knowledge through use.  I see the practices as the steps of the scientific method.  Rather than spending one unit/chapter teaching kids how scientists do science, that concept will be woven into everything as it is taught.  This is far more reading, writing, interpreting, etc. than traditional science classrooms require.

[sare...@yahoo.com]

I think that this is an essential part of getting people to think scientifically.  I'm still encountering teachers who tell me that they have a unit on the scientific method but wonder why students don't seem to get it.  I would like to see these practices embedded into the labs and activities throughout the entire year.  How would you accomplish this?

[Eric Brunsell]

I would do it almost exactly as we did in the activity.  After doing an investigation, have students identify which practices were used.  Don't treat these in content neutral activities -- they should be embedded in activities that are also aligned to content goals-