Study Methods For Scientific Categorizing
Classifying is an important skill for science majors to know and utilize. Classifying involves organization information and objects so that they can be easily interpreted. When things are compartmentalized into groups, the relationships among them are better understood. Organizing information is a common practice for scientists. They use a variety of classifying tools, known as graphic organizers. These visual templates show, at a glance, how key concepts are related.
Scientists use concept maps for organizing information that is broad in scope. Concept maps begin with a broad, central topic, and then the topic is broken down into specific concepts. The umbrella style layout correlates the various concepts, making the relationships between each easier to interpret and comprehend.
Concept maps are created by inserting concept words (usually nouns) within oval shapes and then connecting the ovals to linking words. The general concept is placed in an oval at the top header. Words become more specific as they are added below the general concept. The linked words describe the relationship between the two concepts. Some concept maps include cross-links. This involves connecting a concept on one branch of the map to a concept on another branch. Cross-links show a more complex interrelationship among concepts.
A compare and contrast table is used to sort out the similarities and differences between two or more items. A table offers a methodical framework that allows for items to be compared based on pre-identified characteristics. To construct a compare and contrast table, list the items to be compared across the top of the table, and list the identified characteristics in the left-hand column. Fill in the characteristics for one item and then complete the other(s).
The Venn diagram is another means to show similarities and differences between items. This diagram shows more circles that partially overlap. Each circle represents a particular idea or concept. The outer circles are filled with unique characteristics or differences of the item. The overlapping, usually shaded, area contains the common characteristics or similarities of the concepts. To create a Venn diagram, draw two large overlapping circles and name each circle according to concept or idea. Write appropriate characteristics in appropriate areas.
Flowcharts are orderly outlines that show the steps of a procedure or stages in a process. Typically, flowcharts contain either square or rectangular shapes; however, you can choose any shape of your choice. Flowcharts are created to read from top to bottom. The process or procedure is at the top header. The steps or stages follow (a step per box) one after another. Arrows are inserted between each box to connect each event to the one that occurs next.
Like a flowchart, a cycle diagram can help with comprehending the order of events or a procedure. However, they differ from flowcharts in that cycle diagrams show a sequence of events that is continuous. The outlined event does not have an end because when the last step is taken, the first event begins again. For example, steps in a science experiment are indicative of a cyclical event: a. pose question; b. develop a hypothesis; c. design an experiment; d. interpret data; e. draw conclusion.
Graphic organizers can help online degree science majors understand scientific information learned during their online degree programs, and can be used to present scientific findings. Check any one of your STEM degree science textbooks to see illustrations of the graphic tools outlined in this article.
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