ABSTRACT
I discuss how scientists attempt to reduce complexity so that they can begin to see patterns and make sense of the world. Specifically, I describe two science thinking patterns: causative thinking and control of variables. Control of variables involves both the recognition of relevant variables and their isolation. Causative thinking uses control of variables to make determinations about the causal link between events. I use that research and the explicit-reflective-count framework to inform practical “Thinking Tasks” that you can incorporate into any lesson where these thinking patterns are used. I also show you several activities that involve causative thinking and control of variables and discuss how the thinking tasks can be easily built into the lessons.
