This module is for Grades: 6-8 Welcome

When reading scientific texts, it is important to distinguish between facts, reasoned judgments and speculations. Facts tell you what has already been proven about the subject. Reasoned judgments tell you what inferences or logical conclusions scientists are drawing from the facts. Speculation is a statement that does not have scientific evidence to back it up but may be used as a starting point for further scientific inquiry.

As information becomes more plentiful and available through technology such as social media and other online sources, differentiating between these types of information becomes increasingly important. How do we know whether to trust an information source? If a source provides factual information to support its judgments, then it is more trustworthy. However, a source that features more speculation than facts may not be trustworthy. Sorting the information you read into these three categories will lead to a deeper understanding of the subject and what current scientific research says about it as well as whether the source is credible.

four students studying with laptop and books

Focus Standard:

RST.6-8.8 - Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text

Skill:

Facts/Reasoning


Module Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • Identify factual information, reasoned judgments and speculation in a scientific text.