Clarion Module II

What is a Scientist?

Center for Gifted Education, The College of William and Mary, 2009

Who Am I?

DefiningScientists

(Frayer vocabulary

model follows)Center for Gifted Education, The College of

William and Mary, 2009

Vocabulary BuildingDefinition

(Last)

Characteristics (What Scientists Do)

Examples Non-ExamplesSCIENTISTS

Center for Gifted Education, The College of William and Mary, 2009

•Based on the Frayer Model

•Used in all Clarion units

•Crystallizes meaning through examples and non-examples

•Effective across domains

Examples

• Astronomers—study the universe (planets, stars, etc.)

• Biologists—study life (plants and animals)

• Geologists—study the earth’s layers of soil and rocks.

• Physicists—study matter and energy

Center for Gifted Education, The College of William and Mary, 2009

Non- Examples

• An entertainer

• A poet

• A banker

• A store clerk

Center for Gifted Education, The College of William and Mary, 2009

Scientists:• Make observations

• Ask questions

• Learn more

• Design and conduct experiments

• Create meaning

• Tell others what was found

Center for Gifted Education, The College of William and Mary, 2009

Moving the curious kid toward becoming a scientist requires:

•Doing science, not simply observing demonstrations•Working within groups as well as individually•Understanding macro-concepts and metacognition•Connections to real-world problems•Teaching within disciplines (content)•Connections to prior knowledge (and addressing misconceptions)

•Inquiry and investigation•Reflection and discussion•Monitoring and feedback•Time

-National Research Council of the National Academies (2005)

Center for Gifted Education College of William and Mary

What is a Scientist? conclusions:• Many people use science, but not everyone

acts as a scientist.• It is important for children to discuss non-

examples of scientists in order to understand what it means to be a scientist.

• Scientists make thorough observations, ask testable questions, engage in research, often design and conduct experiments including rigorous data collection, create meaning from what they find, and share with others.

• One may become a scientist through by utilizing the Wheel of Scientific Investigation.

Lower Primary Wheel of Scientific

Investigation and Reasoning

Javits Project Clarion, Center for Gifted Education, College of William and Mary

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION AND

REASONING

Make Observations

Ask Questions

Learn More

Design and Conduct the Experiment

Create Meaning

Tell Others What Was

Found SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION AND

REASONING