This document includes the introduction to and unit A of "Idea-Centered Laboratory Science" (I-CLS). The introduction describes the objectives, the basic assumptions and suggested teaching procedures of I-CLS. The basic theme of unit A is "How a Scientist Studies His World." Laboratory experiences consist of investigations into: (1) idea of…

Included in the unit are ideas related to: categorizing (classifying), quantifying, model making, and developing terminology. Laboratory experiences include activities to investigate: similarities and differences, making and using keys, the relative nature of measurement, making a physical model of an atom, models for probability (heredity), and…

The major ideas of this unit are: consistency and uniformity, cause and effect, and parsimony. Laboratory experiences consist of investigations into: projecting expectations, moon and stars, the relationships among different kinds of change (daily, monthly, annual temperature changes), force and motion, chemical reactions, superstitions, origin of…

The major ideas of the unit are: normal curves, gradients, extrapolation and interpolation, directional change, cyclic change, and dynamic equilibrium. Some 28 different inquiry-oriented laboratory experiences are designed to develop understanding of these major ideas. The laboratory experience format is as follows: Introduction, Materials and…

The major idea of the unit is: a scientist thinks in terms of relationships rather than absolutes. Twenty-nine inquiry oriented laboratory experiences are arranged under the headings: (1) measurements express relationships, (2) patterns govern relationships, (3) frames of reference determine relationships, (4) heredity and environment are…