December+7.+2009+class+notes

1. Look at the prediction: is it backed up (do you know WHY they predicted what they did?)

2. Look at data tables/observation/data i. How detailed/descriptive are the observations? ii. How well organized is the data (if it’s something they designed)? iii. How detailed are the data that are collected

3. Look at conclusions: what explanations are made (claim, evidence, reasoning?) i. Is there a claim (that relates to the question)? ii. Evidence: is the evidence interpreted (or just listed?)?. is it appropriate? Is it sufficient? iii. Is the reasoning tied back to a scientific principle?

4. Writing in general: how precise is the writing? Do students use inexact language (vague pronouns)? Units used?

Purposes of writing in science: