1. Chemistry Geography Geology Physics
GE Area B - 2 Report
Chemistry Geography
Geology Physics

2. Assessed topics Articulate the nature of scientific inquiry
Make objective observations and evaluate scientific data
Use fundamental scientific concepts to draw quantitative conclusions about the physical universe

3. Assessment Instruments
Holistic: Describe your interpretation of what is meant by the “scientific method” as used in science.
Evaluate data: A data table was given of water levels as a function of time in Coffeeville, OK. At what rate was the water rising at 2:30 pm?
Scientific Concepts: The 1685 description of tides given What data can you cite to support or disprove this theory?

4. Conclusions
Students answered correctly much of the time but were unable to explain why they had given that answer.
Students misunderstand “law of nature”. They think that these are used to prove things.
Students strongly mistrust tabloid style “scientific” claims.
Students do not distinguish well between scientific reports and other reports.