Selection of appropriate measuring instruments and computer technologies is important. Instruments are used to capture information, make direct measurements, and choose appropriate units for reporting various magnitudes. Data can be organized in tables, graphs, and flow charts to identify the relationships among the data. Possible effects of experimental errors need to be considered in data analysis. Students will understand good experimental design, identify independent and dependent variables, and recognize other variables to be held constant.
Measurements contain a certain degree of uncertainty.
The precision of the measurement should be reported and considered in evaluating results. Modeling and theories are useful methods to explain phenomena, but are limited based on assumptions. C. Ethics of Scientific Inquiry Science has the obligation to use its tools of inquiry in an ethical fashion. Honest, clear, and accurate records are fundamental to good science. Curiosity, honesty, openness, and skepticism are highly regarded in science.