CPALMS Logo Generated on 9/18/2025 at 2:47 AM
The webpage this document was printed/exported from can be found at the following URL:
https://www.cpalms.org//PreviewStandard/Preview/1782
Distinguish between an experiment (which must involve the identification and control of variables) and other forms of scientific investigation and explain that not all scientific knowledge is derived from experimentation.
Standard #: SC.7.N.1.3
Standard Information
General Information
Subject Area: Science
Grade: 7
Body of Knowledge: Nature of Science
Idea: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts
Big Idea: The Practice of Science -

A: Scientific inquiry is a multifaceted activity; The processes of science include the formulation of scientifically investigable questions, construction of investigations into those questions, the collection of appropriate data, the evaluation of the meaning of those data, and the communication of this evaluation.

B: The processes of science frequently do not correspond to the traditional portrayal of "the scientific method."

C: Scientific argumentation is a necessary part of scientific inquiry and plays an important role in the generation and validation of scientific knowledge.

D: Scientific knowledge is based on observation and inference; it is important to recognize that these are very different things. Not only does science require creativity in its methods and processes, but also in its questions and explanations.
Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Content Complexity Rating: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Assessed: Yes
Related Courses
Related Access Points
  • SC.7.N.1.In.3 # Identify questions that can be answered by scientific investigation, such as can a plant grow without sunlight?
  • SC.7.N.1.Su.3 # Recognize a question that can be answered by scientific investigation, such as can a plant grow without sunlight?
  • SC.7.N.1.Pa.3 # Associate objects and activities with science.
Related Resources
Lesson Plans
  • Florida's Rock Cycle (Part 1): Weathering and Erosion on Your School Campus # Students will identify signs of weathering and erosion on their school campus in a fieldwork investigation. They will then identify the appropriate school/district official to contact about their concerns, and create a professional email to that official advocating for the maintenance and repair of their school.
  • Just Right Goldilocks’ Café: Temperature & Turbidity # This is lesson 3 of 3 in the Goldilocks’ Café Just Right unit. This lesson focuses on systematic investigation on getting a cup of coffee to be the “just right” temperature and turbidity level. Students will use both the temperature probe and turbidity sensor and code using ScratchX during their investigation.
  • Just Right Goldilocks’ Café: Turbidity # This is lesson 2 of 3 in the Just Right Goldilocks’ Café unit. This lesson focuses on systematic investigation on getting a cup of coffee to be the “just right” level of turbidity. Students will use turbidity sensors and code using ScratchX during their investigation.
  • Just Right Goldilocks’ Café: Temperature # This is lesson 1 of 3 in the Just Right Goldilocks’ Café unit. This lesson focuses on systematic investigation on getting a cup of coffee to be the “just right” temperature. Students will use temperature probes and code using ScratchX during their investigation.  
  • Sea Ice Analysis Grade 7 # The changing climate is an important topic for both scientific analysis and worldly knowledge. This lesson uses data collected by the National Snow and Ice Data Center to create and use statistical analysis as a tool to evaluate the sea ice loss. Students will use technology to quickly generate graphs for each month looking for trends, patterns, or deviations over time.
  • Popping Balloons - Identifying Variables # This activity allows students to experiment with balloons. Students are given basic instructions to blow up and pop a balloon wearing goggles. Students will make observations and come up with testable questions. A lesson is given on the different types of variables. Students then design an experiment coming up with the testable question and identifying the variables. The idea behind this lesson is not for the student to conduct the experiment and collect the data, but that is a possible extension.
Original Student Tutorial
  • Not Just Another Science Experiment # Science isn't just about experiments! Learn about other ways to do science such as observational and comparative studies in this interactive tutorial. Science is varied and interesting as we use scientific skills to learn about the world!
Teaching Idea
  • CRIME SCENE: The Case of the Missing Computer Chip # A simulated crime scene is presented for teams of students to solve, using clues received piecemeal, adjusting hypotheses as more clues are found and discussed. The elements of science are recognized through discussion of the crime solution metaphor. Also clearly shows how science is used effectively to reveal unwitnessed events of the past (by weighing the evidence), much as we do in paleontology, geology, evolution and astronomy.
Original Student Tutorials Science - Grades K-8
  • Not Just Another Science Experiment # Science isn't just about experiments! Learn about other ways to do science such as observational and comparative studies in this interactive tutorial. Science is varied and interesting as we use scientific skills to learn about the world!
Print Page | Close this window