8. Generating and Testing Hypotheses
Research shows that a deductive approach (using a general rule to make a prediction) to this strategy works best. Whether a hypothesis is induced or deduced, students should clearly explain their hypotheses and conclusions.
Applications:
2. Problem Solving (Focus on unstructured, real life problems that may have more than one solution.)
3. Decision Making (Make a prediction and weigh it against other possible alternatives.)
4. Historical Investigation (“What really happened?” “Why did this happen?”)
5. Experimental Inquiry (Not only used in science!)
6. Invention (“Shouldn’t there be a better way to…?”)
Technology Integration Ideas:
Research shows that a deductive approach (using a general rule to make a prediction) to this strategy works best. Whether a hypothesis is induced or deduced, students should clearly explain their hypotheses and conclusions.
Applications:
- Ask students to predict what would happen if an aspect of a familiar system, such as the government or transportation, were changed.
- Ask students to build something using limited resources. This task generates questions and hypotheses about what may or may not work.
- Includes 6 types of tasks:
2. Problem Solving (Focus on unstructured, real life problems that may have more than one solution.)
3. Decision Making (Make a prediction and weigh it against other possible alternatives.)
4. Historical Investigation (“What really happened?” “Why did this happen?”)
5. Experimental Inquiry (Not only used in science!)
6. Invention (“Shouldn’t there be a better way to…?”)
Technology Integration Ideas:
- Have students play educational role-playing games that simulate a theory or hypothesis (Example: students learning about the law of supply and demand may test what they have learned by playing the Lemonade Stand Game).
- Have students work together on a Problem Based Learning Activity to solve a problem that requires critical thinking. (Example: Students work together on a WebQuest to determine which renewable and non-renewable energy sources would best suit a particular city's energy needs.
- Have students use primary sources to make determinations regarding perceptions about historical events.
- Have students use interactive simulations to test what they have learned.
- Interactively build a rocket or bridge.
- Participate in Choose your Own Adventure activities.
- Use Google Earth Historical Imagery to analyze historical information.