Objective: KWBAT explain how and why scientists engage in arguments by reading about Rachel Carson’s work on pesticides in ecosystems.
For the problems below, highlight the correct answer.
Grasses, trees, and flowers are called producers because they make or produce:
Today we’ll read about how scientists argue with each other. Before we read, do you agree or disagree with the statements below?
Agree | Disagree | |
|---|---|---|
Scientists argue only when they’re angry with one another. | ||
Some scientists work alone, and others work in groups. | ||
One way scientists convince others that their claims are correct is by repeating ideas again and again. | ||
Scientists in different countries can work together. | ||
Some organisms use dead things as food matter. | ||
Communicating the results of scientific investigations is an important part of being a scientist. |
Today, we’re going to read a book about the work of a scientist named Rachel Carson. She was concerned that something called pesticides, which are chemicals that kill insects and weeds, were harming many plants and animals in the ecosystem.
How do scientists convince others that their claims are correct?
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Directions:
Click HERE to begin reading Why Do Scientists Argue?
As you read, record evidence that supports our reading question above.
Then, answer the questions below.
A scientific argument starts with a claim. What was Rachel Carson’s claim?
That’s not what other scientists thought at the time. What did they claim?
Re-read pages 13 and 15 (white) by clicking HERE. What are two pieces of evidence from the text about how scientists convince others that their claims are correct?
Re-read page 12 (green) by clicking HERE. What are two pieces of evidence from the text about how Carson convinced others that her claim was correct?
Now think about how we’ve worked as ecologists to make arguments. What are some of the ways we support our thinking when we make a claim. List TWO ideas below.
Idea 1 - We use…
Idea 2 - We use…
New understanding:
Now it’s time to put it all together. Looking at
Reflect on What We’ve Learned:
Agree | Disagree | |
|---|---|---|
Scientists argue only when they’re angry with one another. | ||
Some scientists work alone, and others work in groups. | ||
One way scientists convince others that their claims are correct is by repeating ideas again and again. | ||
Scientists in different countries can work together. | ||
Some organisms use dead things as food matter. | ||
Communicating the results of scientific investigations is an important part of being a scientist. |
How has your thinking changed from before?