Process of Science Domain- Science Process Skills
(13 Process skills in UNESCO Source book)
Prepared by
SABARISH-P
M.Sc., M.Ed.,
JRF & NET
Assistant
professor in Physical Science, Arafa Institute for Teacher Education
Attur, Thrissur.
lScientists use certain processes
(skills).
l13 process skills
approved by UNESCO.
1)
Observing
2)
Classifying
3)
Measuring
4)
Communicating
5)
Using number relations
6)
Using spatial relations
7)
Inferring
8)
Predicting
9)
Making operational definitions
10)
Formulating hypothesis
11)
Identifying and controlling variables
12)
Interpreting data
13)
Experimenting.
1
Observing
lThrough observation the
learner acquires knowledge through his sense organs. Observation should be
objective and meaningful. Thus observations become an integral part of the
method of science.
2
Classifying
lClassification means
recognizing more and more properties (collected information) and ordering them.
The skill of classification varies with age, standard, and mental growth of the
learners.
3
Measuring
lMeasuring is a part of
scientific investigation process. The skill of measuring can easily be
practiced along with other skills rather than in isolation.
lDoes the volume of air
change during deep inhalation and exhalation?
4
Communicating
lAcquisition of
knowledge becomes fruitful only when the gathered knowledge is communicated to
others.
lDifferent ways for
communication - oral, written, etc.
lMore effective, when it
is done through the most scientific way and with supporting material
5
Using number relations
lThis process skill
refers to the ability to illustrate the available data using mathematical
language. See, such a learning activity.
lThe ratio of different
pea plants obtained in the F2 generation is given in the checker board. Analyse
and find out the number of each type of Pea plant and their ratio
lThe learner should be
able to use number of relations, and then only he would be able to solve the
above problem.
6
Using space time relationship
lAbility to find out the
relationships, between size, shape, distance, movement, speed, directions, time
etc.
lWhen we make vegetable
garden, what are the factors related with the above process skill?
7 Inferring
lAbility of drawing
conclusions by analyzing the data properly
lIt is more than mere
observation or data collection
lWhen we analyze a table
of data what are the inferences that we can make?
8 Predicting
lAbility to forecast
what would happen in future
lIt is based on data
obtained so far
lIn science,
prediction is valid only with the support of scientific evidences.
lThe students of science
should develop skill of prediction based on the science concepts acquired by
them so far.
9 Making operational
definitions
lDefine
a scientific concept operationally,
lThe
definitions, he makes may reflect his experiences also.
lWhenever
he wants to apply these concepts in a real life situation, this operational
definition may help him.
lLet's examine how would
a student, who studies about agriculture try to define the term agriculture
operationally. From his information, the definition he can formulate may be
like "Agriculture is cultivating plants or rearing animals for various
needs and economic benefits of human beings".
10
Formulating hypothesis
lHypothesis can be
referred to as a temporary intellectual, tentative solution for a problem
lThe process of problem
solving proceeds on the basis of the hypothesis formulated
lLet us see an example
lThe vital capacity of
cigarette smokers is lower than that of others. Is it true?
lFormulate a tentative
guess i.e., smokers have low vital capacity
lThe scientific inquiry
on the problem starts with this hypothesis.
11.
Interpreting data
lInformation becomes
more meaningful
lwhen they throw light
on new knowledge.
lSkill of interpreting
data is important to be developed among learners of science.
12.
Controlling Variables
lwhen we plan an
experiment, variables are to be controlled
lAn example: Experiments
of Charles, Joules & Boyles laws where Temperature, pressure &
volume are controlled.
2.13
Experimenting
lExperimenting is the
integrated form of process skill, which includes
lskills like observing,
lmeasuring,
lcontrolling variables,
linterpreting data etc.
lIt is essential to
formulate a hypothesis to prove whether CO2 is needed far photosynthesis.
lIn
high school classes we should provide opportunities for doing experiments.
lBy
doing experiments, the learner could acquire many process skills.
As mentioned earlier,
the process skill domain of science is very significant. The teachers while
planning learning activities, should focus on the development of the process
skills.
