Intro: Scientific Skills and Scientific Investigation

has a new name

SmithLifeScience.com

please update your favorites, we will not be supporting the old site on AOL

Day 1

Topic Science Skills

Objectives
Identify science skills.
Create a table of information.

State Goals
11.A.2c Construct charts and visualizations to display data.
12.B.3b Compare and assess features of organisms for their adaptive, competitive, and survival potential (e.g.,appendages, reproductive rates, camouflage, defensive structures.

Classwork-Homework

Science Skills

Science Skill	What it means.	How used in daily life
Observing	Use your senses
Compare and Contrast	How are they alike and/or different
Classifying	Group things based upon how they are alike
Modeling	Good way to show what a very small or large object looks like
Simulating	A model that shows how things work
Measuring	Compare a unknown value to a known value
Analyzing	Study information carefully.
Communicating	Sharing information.
Predicting	State ahead of time what will happen based upon what you already know.

Organizing Data into a Table

TEC

Prersenting Data Data Tables, Labeling Diagrams, and Averages 5 pages

Resources

Day 2

Topic Scientific Method

Objectives
Describe how to use the scientific method to solve a problem.
Replicate an experiment to determine if the results will be the same.

State Goals
11.A.3a Formulate hypotheses that can be tested by collecting data.
11.A.3b Conduct scientific experiments that control all but one variable.
11.A.3c Collect and record data accurately using consistent measuring and recording techniques and media.
11.A.3d Explain the existence of unexpected results in a data set.
11.A.3e Use data manipulation tools and quantitative (e.g., mean, mode, simple equations)and representational methods (e.g., simulations, image processing) to analyze measurements.

Classwork-Homework
Scientific Method
        Identify a problem
             Do research
             Form a Hypothesis
             Design and carryout an experiment
             Record and analyze data
             State a conclusion
             Write a report

Use obituary page to determine if males or females live longer.

Identifying the Problem	Do males or females live longer?
Research or Gather Information	Males 72.6 Females 75.4
Form a Hypothesis	Who do you think lives longer?
Design and Perform an Experiment	Record age in chart. Add ages. Divide by the number of people.
Record the Data	Create a chart and/or graph of the information.
Analyze the data	Create a chart and/or graph. Does it support the hypothesis?
State a Conclusion	Women live longer than men.
Communicate the results	My hypothesis was correct or My hypothesis was incorrect

Scientific Method In Action Students will read about two medical cases and determine the problem, hypothesis, and how the hypothesis was tested.

TEC

Resources
Scientific Method Resources

Extra Credit Use another obituary from another paper or a different day to determine if males or females live longer.

Day 3

Topic Contols in Experiments

Objectives
Explain why a controlled experiment is important.
Understand and use the terms controls and variables
Explain the purpose of an experiment.
Analyze a controlled experiment.
Identify mistakes in a scientific experiment.
Improve a scientific experiment.
Expand scientific vocabulary

State Goals
11.A.3e Use data manipulation tools and quantitative (e.g., mean, mode, simple equations)and representational methods (e.g., simulations, image processing) to analyze measurements.

Classwork
Experiment
Something that is done to find out why things happen.
Are used to test hypothesis.
Outdoors it is called a field study.

Controlled Experiment
Two setups are used.
Everything about them is the same.
One setup is left alone. This is the Control.
In the other setup, one thing is changed. The change is the Variable.

Dogged Investigation Dog food experiment.

TEC

Resources
  LifeSavers Lab   Introduction to experiments
1. Ask students to compare dissolving rates of different colors of Lifesavers.
2. Give students 2-3 different colors of lifesavers and time how long it takes different colors
    to dissolve.
2. Students record data on board.
3. Total and average.
4. Ask? Is the evidence conclusive? "But what’s WRONG with this experiment?")
    Too many variables. You can change only one thing in an experiment.
5. Brainstorm all factors that could affect the dissolving rate. They should see lots of flaws in
    the design: chewing, effort, saliva in mouth, resting, swallowing
6. Brainstorm ideas to conduct a fair test.

Day 4

Topic What is an Experiment?

Objectives
Explain why a controlled experiment is important.
Understand and use the terms controls and variables.
Create a data table.
Explain the purpose of an experiment.

State Goals
11.A.3b Conduct scientific experiments that control all but one variable.
11.B.3e Evaluate the test results based on established criteria, note sources of error and recommend improvements.

Classwork-Homework

Scientific Method Bikini Bottom Experiments Students analyze experiments to determine if they were done correctly and/or if the results are reliable. They are also challenged to write their own experiments using their knowledge of the scientific method. Flower Power, Super Snails, and Bubble Time.

TEC

Resources

Day 5

Topic What is an experiment?

Objectives
Define Independent Variable and Dependent Variable
Identify the controls and variables in experiments

State Goals
11.A.3b Conduct scientific experiments that control all but one variable.

Classwork-Homework
Vocabulary
Control: A part of the experiment that is not being tested.
Variable: Any part of an experiment that can vary.
Independent Variable: Part of the experiment that is changed by the person doing the experiment.
Dependent Variable: The part of the experiment that is affected by the independent variable

Scientific Method Controls and Variables
Read about four Sponge Bob experiments.
Identify the Control and the Independent Variable and Dependent Variable with the class.

Assign the conclusions as homework.

TEC

Resources

Day 7

Topic Penny Lab

Objectives
Use the terms cohesion and surface tension.

State Goals
11.A.3e Use data manipulation tools and quantitative (e.g., mean, mode, simple equations)and representational methods (e.g., simulations, image processing) to analyze measurements.

Classwork-Homework

Drops on a Penny Background Information. Fill in blanks from overhead.

    Penny Lab
Need one penny, an eyedropper, glass of water, tweezers, and liquid soap.
For students who finish early allow them to try:
                                           Heads/Tails
                                           Old/New
                                           Cold/Hot

Calculate averages and answer questions Part C: #1 & #2

TEC

Resources

Day 8

Topic Metric System

Objectives
Identify various metric units used to make measurements.
Use millimeters, centimeters, and meters to measure parts of the body.
Name two internationally used measurement systems.
Name the gram as the basic unit of mass in the metric system.

State Goals
11.A.3c Collect and record data accurately using consistent measuring and recording techniques and media.

Classwork-Homework

Measurement Systems
English System
Metric System
Systems International

Temperature

Temperature	Celsius	Fahrenheit
Water Freezes	0	32
Room Temperature	22	72
Human Body Temperature	37	98.6
Water Boils	100	212

Metric System Notes

All You Need to Know About Metric (For Your Everyday Life)

Metric Mania Work together

TEC

Resources

Scientific Method Review Puzzle
Metric Measurement Resources

Day 10

Topic Metric System

Objectives
Identify various metric units used to make measurements.
Name the graduated cylinder as the instrument used to measure liquid.
Name the balance as the instrument used to measure mass.
Observe that water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

State Goals
11.A.3c Collect and record data accurately using consistent measuring and recording techniques and media.
11.B.3b Identify important contributions to science and technology that have been made by individuals and groups from various cultures.

Classwork-Homework
Peanut Notes

Mr Peanut Lab
Kids will draw, measure, and weigh their peanut.
I collect and number one for each student.
Save for Friday. They will try to identify.

The Peanut Wizard
The student will read information about George Washington Carver and outline the information.

TEC

Resources
George Washington Carver

Activities Investigations Art Resources Field Trips Web Sites

CONTROLLED EXPERIMENTS

Dogged Investigation Dog food experiment. Three experiments are conducted and students will determine why the results are incorrect. Vocabulary of scientific method learned.

DENSITY

Density Demonstration: Coke vs. Diet Coke

EXPERIMENTS

OnLine Schoolyard & Classroom Investigations Online projects that allow students to, collaboratively or independently, conduct scientific investigations in their schoolyards and classrooms, and then submit their collected data using an online form.

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER "The Peanut Man"

Peanut Notes

Skippy Peanut Butter

A Short Peanut History Read about the history of the peanut.

George Washington Carver A biography about the Peanut Wizard.

The Legacy of George Washington Carver From inauspicious and dramatic beginnings, George Washington Carver became one of the nation's greatest educators and agricultural researchers.

GRAPHS

Graph Paper

Line Graph Rubric This analytic rubric is used to verify specific tasks performed when constructing a line graph. If the task has been completed, all points are awarded. No points are awarded if the task is not complete.

Making a Line Graph Graphs are a useful tool in science. The visual characteristics of a graph make trends in data easy to see. One of the most valuable uses for graphs is to "predict" data that is not measured on the graph.

LAB SAFETY

Lab Safety Find the unsafe lab procedures

METRIC MEASUREMENT

Metric Conversion Worksheets

Metric Evaluation Can be used as a test for Metric System

Metric Pyramid

Ant Races Determine the speed of an ant. To make observations on appearance and behavior.

Metric Lab

Metric Sports Fast Facts

Metric System Notes Worksheet

Price Is Right Measurement Game Good Game to play.

Ancient Measurements In Egypt the basic unit seems to have been the royal cubit or "meh" estimated at 524 mm. Read about measurements in Mesopotamia, Greece, the Roman Empire, and in the Bible.

Measuring the Metric Way A self-instructed activity.

Measure It! FunBrain will show you a ruler with a red bar above it. Measure the length of the red bar. You can play with centimeters or inches.

U.S. Metric Association The U.S. Metric Association (USMA), Inc., with headquarters in Northridge CA, is a national non-profit organization, founded in 1916. It advocates U.S. conversion to the International System of Units which is known by the abbreviation SI (ess-eye). SI is also called the modern metric system. The process of changing our system of measurement units to the metric system (i.e. SI) is called metric transition or metrication.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Drop Zone Create a parachute that will deliver a paperclip to a "secret" location!

Independent Investigation 2 Page blank experiment

Marshmellow Mania Create a catapult from a standard mousetrap and a few other materials that will launch a marshmallow at a target!

Raft Rally Create a "boat" from a piece of foil that will hold the most pennies!

Squirt Gun Science Groups of students will determine the distance from which they can hit 50% of the targets they shoot at with squirt guns.

Data Sheet

Examples of Variables

pH Scale

The Scientific Method One of the ways that science differs from other branches of knowledge is that scientists follow their own special path of inquiry. That path is called the scientific method.

TOOLS

Life Science Tools

Extra Credit

Animal Adaptation E-Safaris This animal lives in northern Asia where the weather can be very cold. This animal eats other animals for food and is covered in thick fur. What animal might this be? How might this animal's fur help it hunt food? Take a Safari to find out who this mystery animal is. Use the Answer Page and take 5 Electronic Safaris to other web sites as you learn about adaptations.

Metric Chocolate Chip Cookies Use must use a mL measurer. Of course you need to bring in a cookie for everyone.

Metric Patrol Find any incorrect usage of the SI metric system by checking product packaging at home and in stores. If you can't find one incorrect usage find and record thirty correct uses.

Measurement Crossword Puzzle Use English and Metric Measurements

Measuring the Metric Way Choose the correct label and convert some metric measurements.

Prefixes and Suffixes Worksheet Therm means "heat" & meter means "measure of" so a thermometer is an instrument used to measure heat. Use Scientific Prefixes and Suffixes to help you find the meanings and definitions.

Pricey Pizza Compare the size and price of your favorite pizzas.

The Scientific Method of Problem Solving The foundation of any scientific investigation is its experimental design, a logical outline that guides the gathering and evaluation of information. It is the researcher's plan for testing the validity of a hypothesis. Ends with three logic problems. Try them! Solve them!! Turn them in!!!

Scientific Method Word Search I use this word search as an extra credit assignment. The page also includes a make-a-word challenge using the letters in "Scientific Method".

Spider Measurement Worksheet Print out this page and explore a spider site and use metric measurements to describe them

Super Scientist Fact Sheet Research a scientist. What do they do? How much do they make? What tools do they use? What education do they have? Use this Career Site to find information.

Who Dunnit? Crime Solving Who took a bite out of the candy? Sticky fingers have been found on the broken aquarium glass. Wet footprints lead to the open window. What is that powdery substance next to the broken piggy bank? Answering these questions is what forensic science is all about. Turn in for credit!!