Science Discovery Exploration, Description, & Explanation

Science Discovery Objective

Develop a list of science experiences that incorporate exploration, description, and explanation.

This is the final guide of the course. There is no quiz, but there are three assignments to upload to Canvas by Friday evening of this week: two journal pages and evidence that you have compiled all 16 of your journal pages from these four weeks into a completed journal.

Information on all three of these assignments is provided over the next two pages.

The goal of this guide is to provide a structure for science learning beyond this course.

We will begin with the process of science discovery.

May 30, 2020: The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft delivering a crew to the international space station

When you think of “science discovery” you may think of space missions, deep sea submersibles, or adventures to the polar ice.

All of these are examples of science discovery, but even if you never explore extreme extreme habitats, you can still engage in menaingful science adventures.

The process of science discovery includes exploration, description, and explanation.

Science discovery is key in generating new knowledge within the life and physical sciences.

Exploration

Investigating new (to you) natural phenomena. Can be a new location, or a new way of viewing familiar surroundings.

Description

Providing accurate details about a natural phenomenon. Can include a detailed sketch or photograph of an organism, or documenting the steps of a process, like a bud opening on a tree.

Explanation

Providing information on how or why something happens. Can be a simple cause and effect, or a much more detailed process like an experiment testing variables.

Scientists use these three processes to develop science knowledge. Exploration, description, and explanation can also be used to develop personal understandings of the natural world.

This video offers examples of activities related to science discovery. You will be generating a list of activities for the next journal page assignment.

Exploration Activities

Examples: Traveling to a habitat you have not previously visited; using new equipment to broaden your observations like a microscope, binoculars, or telescope.

Description Activities

Examples: detailed journaling about an organism in the field; video or photo essay of a habitat changing over time; visiting a zoo or aquarium to record observations you could not easily make in the field.

Explanation Activities

Examples: Researching an organism in a library or museum; experimenting with variables like water and fertilizer in a garden; optimizing pet health by improving nutrients and exercise.

Start Journal Assignment #15 Here (due Friday)

Journal Page #15: Science Discovery Bucket List

A “bucket list” is slang for experiences or achievements you want to have or complete during your lifetime. This journal page is assembling your own “science discovery bucket list.”

List six science-related experiences or achievements you would like to have in your lifetime. Provide a brief description of each (1 through 6), including (a) what it is and (b) whether it involves exploration, description, explanation, or a combination of the three aspects of science discovery. It can be the life sciences or physical sciences and your resources are unlimited. Dream big.