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Content (p. 25-39)

The HSPA Content/Skill Outlines for Macro Statements 5.1 through 5.12 are as follows:
| Systems | Problem-Solving | History of Science | Technology  | Mathematics  | Structure of Life | Genetics |
| Matter | Force & Motion | Energy | Geological Systems | Universe | Environment |

5.2.12.13.14.15 - PROBLEM SOLVING

I. MACRO STATEMENT

DEVELOP AND APPLY PROBLEM SOLVING, DECISION MAKING, INQUIRY, AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS.


II. KNOWLEDGE STATEMENTS

A STUDENT SHOULD KNOW THAT:

A. SPECIFIC TOOLS AND STRATEGIES ARE APPROPRIATE FOR INFORMATION-GATHERING AND 
     PROBLEM-SOLVING.

III. SKILL STATEMENTS

A STUDENT SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

A. INQUIRY IS MULTIFACETED ACTIVITY WHICH INCLUDES MAKING OBSERVATIONS; POSING 
     QUESTIONS; EXAMINING BOOKS AND OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION TO DETERMINE
     WHAT IS  ALREADY KNOWN; PLANNING INVESTIGATIONS; REVIEWING WHAT IS ALREADY
     KNOWN IN LIGHT OF EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE; USING TOOLS TO GATHER, ANALYZE, AND
     INTERPRET DATA; PROPOSING ANSWERS, EXPLANATIONS, AND PREDICTIONS, AND
     COMMUNICATING THE RESULTS.

  1. The inquiry-based process refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work.
  2. Problem-solving begins with identifying a problem.  A problem is something that needs an answer. Problems are stated in the form of a question.
  3. Hypothesis is a possible answer to a problem based on observations or prior knowledge.

A  STUDENT SHOULD ALSO KNOW:

B. THE APPROPRIATE USE OF A VARIETY OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS.

C. THE IMPORTANCE OF NEGATIVE RESULTS.

D. WHY A CONTROL IS ESSENTIAL.

  1. In an experimental design, the control includes all conditions that are not allowed to change and provides a basis for comparison.

E. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A CONTROL AND A VARIABLE IN AN INVESTIGATION.

  1. Planning and doing a controlled experiment make the scientific method of solving problems different from all other methods.
    1. Control is the one condition that is not allowed to change.
    2. Variable is the one condition that is allowed to change.
  2. A single variable experiment allows you to learn the true effect of the variable.

TO UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPTS OUTLINED ABOVE, A STUDENT SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

  • Select and use appropriate instrumentation to design and conduct investigations.
  • Use technology to communicate the design and results of an investigation.
  • Evaluate conclusions, weigh evidence, and recognize that arguments may not have equal merit.
  • Explain how the results of experimentation lead to further investigation.
  • Design a project that identifies a problem, proposes and implements a solution, and evaluates the consequences of that solution.
IMPORTANT:
ALL STUDENTS SHOULD BE TAUGHT THAT HYPOTHESES ARE VALUABLE, EVEN IF THEY ARE SHOWN BY INVESTIGATIONS NOT TO BE TRUE, BECAUSE THEY MAY LEAD TO NEW INFORMATION.