Teacher Resources: Think Like a Scientist

All humans have an innate curiosity that fuels our “need to know”. The scientific process helps us to explain how things work.

Raising questions is the first forward step to discovery. Scientists use observations, testing, data-gathering, sampling, and a variety of technological tools to find answers to their questions. Combining field geology, observations of other planetary surfaces, laboratory experiments, and computer simulations, scientists study meteor impacts to better understand their importance in planetary processes. Scientists use the data to give simplified explanations of processes or concepts, and to help them analyze clues as they work to answer questions.

Discovery Activity: The Battle for the Impact Theory

The origin of the crater in Arizona was the basis for heated debate.  Working through this activity, students will learn how evidence from the Barringer Meteorite Crater site fueled differing scientific arguments.

 

Discovery Activity: Reflections from Barringer

Barringer’s fight to prove his impact theory subjected him to controversy, personal economic loss, and the emotions of a forceful personality.  Students put themselves in Barringer’s place and write a personal journal entry from his perspective that describes his ideas or feelings during the impact debate.

 

Educational Standards Met

National Science Education 

Science as Inquiry

  • A1.f Students recognize and analyze alternative explanations and predictions
  • A.2f Science advances through legitimate skepticism

Earth & Space Science

  • D1 Land forms are a combination of constructive and destructive forces
  • D2 Earth History is influenced by occasional catastrophes such as the impact of asteroids or comets

History and Nature of Science

  • G1 Students should learn that science is a human endeavor
  • G2 Students should develop an understanding about the nature of science
  • G3 Students should develop an understanding about the history of science

2061 Benchmarks for Science Literacy

  • 4C/M2a Some changes in the Earth’s surface are abrupt while other changes happen very slowly

National Educational Technology Standards

Standard 3-Research and Information Fluency 

  • Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate and use information