Students should answer their questions by seeking information from reliable sources of scientific information anti from their own observations and investigations. In the earliest years, investigations are largely based on systematic observations. OCR for page 162 Ability . Employ simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend to the senses. Use data to construct a reasonable explanation. .
Children also develop skills in the use of computers and calculators for conducting investigations.
This aspect of the standard emphasizes the students' thinking as they use data to formulate explanations. After students propose an explanation, they will appeal to the knowledge and evidence they obtained to support their explana- tions. Students should check their expla- nations against scientific knowledge, experiences, and observations of others. Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations. Design and conduct a scientific investigation.