Composition Notebooks A'K'A'comp' books

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Composition Notebooks A.K.A.-comp. books

• Each day start a new page use the front and
  back of each page.
• On the first page write Table of Contents
• Across the top put a space for date, topic, page
  
• Flip 2 pages write 1 in top right corner,
  turn the page write 2 in top left corner, this
  way we all the pages.
• Every day write the date and topic at the top of
  the page. We are creating our own textbooks!!

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Warm up question to be written in your comp.
book

• Is an inference the same thing as evidence?
  Explain/justify your response.

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Todays exercise

• You will be working on making descriptive
  observations of an unknown object found inside a
  box. The object is of biological origin. It will
  be your job to try and infer what the object is.
  Then use evidence to argue how it has been
  altered.
• This is a science exercise and not an experiment
  b/c it does not have tested variables.

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Title Inference or Observation?The process of
science.

• In your comp. Notebook, create a table with two
  columns one labeled Observation the other
  labeled Inference. Looking at the handout, record
  all the observations and inferences you can in 2
  minutes.
• Compare list with person next to you. Are you
  lists identical? Collaborate with your partner to
  revise as needed.

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• Brainstorm list of descriptive words used to
  convey observations made from touch.

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Todays objectives

• Use observation, inference and deductive
  reasoning to identify an unseen object.
• Demonstrate competency in scientific
  argumentation through use of evidence and logic.
• Gain proficiency in several kinds of
  communication in science oral, written and
  illustration.
• Describe the difference between an experiment and
  an activity.

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Procedure Step 1

• Use pencil. Work with the person next to you.
• In your book, write Step 1, observations then
  trade comp. books
• One of you put your pencil down. Place your hand
  inside the box without looking in!
• Feel your object and describe its size, shape,
  surface features, texture, and density. Use the
  brainstormed list. Your partner will record these
  observations (in your book) as you state them.
• Remember the statements this is made of and
  this is are inferences.

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Procedure continued

• Step 2. Inference. Record inferences of what the
  object might be, based on the observations.

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Procedure continued

• Step 3. Drawing. In your own comp book, draw a
  picture of your object, based on your
  observations. Include a scale to describe the
  size. You may feel it again but dont look yet.

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Procedure continued

• Step 4. Resume inferring.
• Now what do you think it
• might be? Is it easier now?
• Why?

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Procedure continued

• Step 5. Collaboration. Allow your partner to feel
  your object Help your partner by providing more
  observation. Repeat, switching roles.

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Procedure continued

• Step 6. Inference. Again try to infer what the
  object is.
• Is it easier now? Why?

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Procedure continued

• Step 7. Visual observation (finally!) Open your
  box and examine your object visually. Record new
  observations.
• What characteristics can you observe now that you
  could not feel?

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Procedure continued

• Step 8. Conclusion. Try and infer what your
  object is. If you are not sure can you determine
  if it from the plant or animal kingdom? What
  background information are you drawing from to
  make your identification? What further
  information would you need to be more sure of
  your identification? How did it get into the form
  it is in now? How was it modified?

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Procedure continued

• Step 9. Reflection. How is this exercise similar
  to the process of scientific investigation? What
  was the role of collaboration or argumentation?
  Many of the objects are modified or incomplete,
  making idenfication harder. How is similar to
  real scientific investigation?

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Step 10. Report (due Mon. Sept 14th)

• See handout. Write your report in your comp. book.