Scientific Method:

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Scientific Method

• A logical approach to solving problems by
  observing and collecting data, formulating
  hypothesis, testing hypothesis, and formulating
  theories that are supported by data.

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Types of Data

• Qualitative (descriptive, non-numerical)
• Quantitative (numerical using a system)

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Experiments

• Devised to prove or disprove hypothesis, using
  set guidelines and controls.
• Predictive in nature, based on if-then
  statements.
• Variables and controls are used to limit the
  scope of the test.

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Models, theories and laws

• A model is an explanation of how phenomena occur
  or how data and events are related.
• A theory is a broad general statement that
  explains a set of facts or phenomena.
• A law is a set of theories that are accurate and
  precise in describing a phenomena.

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Stages in the Scientific Method
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Summary

• The scientific method is a process for solving
  problems using critical thinking skills.
• Verification of any law or theory must be made by
  many independents sources or groups.
• It is NOT a rigid system, but a flexible system
  for problem solving.

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Lessons to Learn

• It's time for the start of a new school year. So,
  for all the students out there, from preschool to
  graduate school, here are a few tips just for
  you.
• The Law of a Good Start. Many people with whom I
  work say that they can start off a school year
  very well, but then seem to fade as the year goes
  on. While it's important to have a good start,
  it's equally important to have a good middle and
  end.

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Lessons to Learn

• The Law of Keeping Up. This may be one of the
  most important laws for students. Do what you
  need to do to keep up. It's tough to play
  catch-up, and all too easy to give up when you
  get behind.
• The Law of Forever. School is not forever. It
  will pass, and hopefully so will you. Learning,
  however, can and should be forever - a lifetime
  kind of thing.

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Lessons to Learn

• The Law of Importance. If you are going to
  succeed in school, at some point school has to
  become more important to you than to your
  parents. Doing it primarily for someone else will
  eventually drain your energy. The bottom line Do
  it for you and your future.
• The Law of the Clock. What is the slowest moving
  invention in the world?Its a clock that you
  constantly check and watch. The more you watch
  the clock, the slower it goes.

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Lessons to Learn

• The Law of Personalities.Sometime in your school
  career, you may encounter what is called a
  "personality conflict" with a teacher. You may
  not like them, they may not like you, or both. As
  tempting as it may be, do not choose to get bad
  grades and otherwise sabotage yourself. This is
  simply practice for the real world, where you
  will not like everyone, and everyone will not
  like you however, you may have to work with
  them,.

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Lessons to Learn

• The Law of Once. The best way to handle a class
  and/or teacher you don't like is to take the
  class only once.
• The Law of Your Ticket. When you find yourself
  stuck in a boring class that you know you will
  never use, no matter, how much they try to
  convince you otherwise, here's a tip This class
  in merely a very small piece of the ticket to the
  rest of your life.

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Lessons to Learn

• Here's what I mean - back when Disney World
  opened, you didn't pay one huge admission fee and
  then ride whatever you wanted.
• You purchased "ticket coupons" marked A-E. An "A"
  ticket got you something simple, like the
  carousel or Dumbo's ride. An "E" ticket got you
  on the good stuff, like the Haunted Mansion or
  Space Mountain.
• Your education is much the same Don't finish
  high school and all you have is an A ticket for
  life, rather, finish so that you've got at least
  a "B" ticket.

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Any Questions???
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Grading and Evaluation

• There are five areas of evaluation in Mr.
  Costeins classes
• Class Performance 10 of grade
• Notebook 10 of grade
• Homework/Classwork 15 of grade
• Quiz scores 20 of grade
• Tests 30 of grade
• Nine Weeks Final Exam 15 of grade

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Grading and Evaluation

• Class performance is based on three areas

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Notebook Evaluation

• All students are required to keep an organized
  and complete notebook for a nine weeks.
• The notebook contains class goals and objectives,
  notes, labs, homework, quizzes, corrected tests,
  and any other science handouts.
• Organizational skills are developed with the
  notebook.
• Failure in keeping a notebook may decrease a
  students success in science.

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Grading Scale
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Adjustment of my Grading Scale
In evaluating students, the effort and attitude
of the student plays a major role in the degree
of success in science. I tell my students, that I
cannot change their attitude, but daily I
evaluate each students attitude. The attitude
that they bring to class can be positive or
negative. The attitude that brings the greatest
success is the I CAN attitude. Therefore, when
students are close to a higher grade on my
grading scale, their attitude dictates whether
they receive the higher grade.