KLEIN's
GUIDE TO
SCIENCE EDUCATION
PHOTO CREDIT: Nadene Klein at Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite National Park
In every quality science classroom we investigate and experiment. It is essential that students are able to distinguish the difference between the two. As students mature and have the opportunity to design their own experiments, they need to know what is required of an experiment. Too often students don't really know the difference. They try to plan an experiment that in fact is an investigation. Sadly, I think this lesson is overlooked in the younger grades.
So what is the difference? An investigation is basically hands-on research. It is a way to find out what one thing is made of or how one thing functions through observation. During an experiment, the scientist is testing something under different conditions by manipulation. Both independent and dependent variables can be identified in an experiment but not in an investigation. Scientists (students and professionals) learn much about the world via both investigation and experimentation. Both are meaningful and worthwhile. Let's make sure we know the difference. Scientifically yours, Nadene
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AuthorNadene Klein, M.Ed. has been an educator for over 25 years. She brings a passion and love for science to the classroom and through this blog to you. Archives
March 2024
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