Benchmarks: The Practice of Science
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BENCHMARK CODE |
BENCHMARK |
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SC.8.N.1.1 |
Define a problem from the eighth grade curriculum using appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigations of various types, such as systematic observations or experiments, identify variables, collect and organize data, interpret data in charts, tables, and graphics, analyze information, make predictions, and defend conclusions.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: High |
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SC.6.N.1.2 |
Explain why scientific investigations should be replicable.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: High |
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SC.7.N.1.2 |
Differentiate replication (by others) from repetition (multiple trials).Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: Moderate |
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SC.8.N.1.2 |
Design and conduct a study using repeated trials and replication.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: High |
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SC.6.N.1.3 |
Explain the difference between an experiment and other types of scientific investigation, and explain the relative benefits and limitations of each.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: High |
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SC.7.N.1.3 |
Distinguish between an experiment (which must involve the identification and control of variables) and other forms of scientific investigation and explain that not all scientific knowledge is derived from experimentation.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: Moderate |
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SC.8.N.1.3 |
Use phrases such as “results support” or “fail to support” in science, understanding that science does not offer conclusive ‘proof’ of a knowledge claim.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: Moderate |
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SC.6.N.1.4 |
Discuss, compare, and negotiate methods used, results obtained, and explanations among groups of students conducting the same investigation.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: High |
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SC.7.N.1.4 |
Identify test variables (independent variables) and outcome variables (dependent variables) in an experiment.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: Low |
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SC.8.N.1.4 |
Explain how hypotheses are valuable if they lead to further investigations, even if they turn out not to be supported by the data.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: High |
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SC.6.N.1.5 |
Recognize that science involves creativity, not just in designing experiments, but also in creating explanations that fit evidence.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: Moderate |
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SC.7.N.1.5 |
Describe the methods used in the pursuit of a scientific explanation as seen in different fields of science such as biology, geology, and physics.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: Moderate |
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SC.8.N.1.5 |
Analyze the methods used to develop a scientific explanation as seen in different fields of science.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: High |
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SC.7.N.1.6 |
Explain that empirical evidence is the cumulative body of observations of a natural phenomenon on which scientific explanations are based.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: Moderate |
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SC.8.N.1.6 |
Understand that scientific investigations involve the collection of relevant empirical evidence, the use of logical reasoning, and the application of imagination in devising hypotheses, predictions, explanations and models to make sense of the collected evidence.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: Moderate |
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SC.7.N.1.7 |
Explain that scientific knowledge is the result of a great deal of debate and confirmation within the science community.Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: Moderate |
