Basic Science Skills
Science involves processes that are part of a scientific method.
Scientists approach problems in various ways which have several processes that are common to them. These commonly used process are called science process skills.
Manipulative skills and abilities.
These include skills in handling materials and apparatus in a scientific investigation.
They also involve the ability to follow instructions and make accurate observations.
Examples.
Observation skills.
Using and handling scientific apparatus.
Cleaning and maintaining scientific apparatus properly and safely.
Handling specimens properly and safely.
Mixing primary colours to create more colours.
This is the most common basic skill in science. Scientists make observations by using the five senses. Good observation skills are helpful in learning other science process skills. Example.
Making observations using the sense of touch.
Creating observation about a coin using the five senses.
Classification skills.
After observing, it is important to identify he similarities and differences and to group objects.
Examples.
Using a magnet to classify objects as either magnetic or nonmagnetic.
Using a balance and sorting objects according to mass.
Measuring skills.
Measuring is very important in collecting, comparing and interpreting data.
It helps us to classify and communicate with others.
Examples.
Finding the mass of different liquids that have the same volume.
Using technology to find the speed of a vehicle.
Measuring the distance that a person travels.
Communication skills.
Important so that it becomes possible to share our experiences.
One can do this by using graphs, diagrams, maps and spoken word.
Examples.
Creating a line graph showing the relationship between speed and time.
Discussing possible errors with other classmates.
Predicting skills.
A prediction is an educated guess based on good observation and making a conclusion about an observed event or prior knowledge.
Examples.
Predicting what is in a box based on the sense of touch.
Writing an assumption about the effect of increasing salt on the buoyancy of an egg.
Conclusion skills.
A conclusion is an explanation based on observation. It is a link between what you observe and what you already know.
Example
Writing a conclusion at the end of each investigation.
Creating conclusions about observations made about a particular object, for example, I conclude that it is a solid and not a liquid.
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