Prentice Hall 1-2 Scientific Inquiry: Smith Life Science

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Unit 1 Cells and Heredity
Chapter 1 Introduction to Life Science
Section 1-2 Scientific Inquiry

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Day 1

Topic Scientific Process

Objectives/ I can...
Draw a concept map of the scientific process.
List ways to answer questions.

State Goals

Classwork-Homework

Photo Album of kids drawings of scientists from 3rd day of school.
Compare similarities and differences in the scientist drawings.

Ask: What do the scientists have in common?
They ask questions
Work in a lab.
Collect data
Study animals

Ask: How does the work of scientists differ?
Study different animals.
Some work outside.
Travel around the world.

Concept map of the scientific method

Explain "I Wonder Board".

Categories of Questions Resource page 4
Reference Materials: look up the answer
Data Exploration: Look at other people's data to answer questions
Descriptive: You collect data as you look at the world.
Experimental: You conduct experiments to get data.

Scientific Method WordSearch

TEC

Scientific Method Crossword Puzzle

Resources

Investigating Evidence Resources
Scientific Method Resources

Day 2

Topic Testing Hypotheses

Objectives/ I can...
Define the term "hypothesis.
Write a testable hypotheis.
Identify independent and dependent variables.

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

Classwork-Homework

Hypothesis Help Resource page 5
Read "What do I wonder?"
"What do I already know?"
"How do I turn my ideas into a hypothesis."
"How do I test my hypothesis?"

Robin Graph #1 on board Teacher's guide page 10

Finish Hypothesis Help Resource page 5
"How do I know if my hypothesis was supported?"
"What if I didn't find any difference?"
"What if I found something other than what I expected?"

Robin Graph #2 & 3 Teacher's Guide page 11

Variables in Science Experiments

TEC

Identify the Controls and Variables Simpsons
Experiments focused on the Simpsons: Smithers, Homer, Bart, and Krusty.
A. Read story about Smithers
B. Identify the Control Group (B)
C. Identify the Experimental Group (Group A: got the special juice)
D. Identify the Independent Variable (special juice)
E. Identify the Dependent Variable (stacks of papers stapled)
F. Conclusion Special juice did not increase workers productivity
G Improved
     Group A drank while they worked. Lost work time, make Group B drink too.
     Maybe Group A did improve, we don't know how they worked before.
     Just test Group A, first without and then with the special juice

Resources

Day 3

Topic Variables

Objectives/ I can...
Identify independent and dependent variables.
Describe why it is important to control variables.

State Goals
11.A.3b Conduct scientific experiments that control all but one variable.
11.A.3a Formulate hypotheses that can be tested by collecting data.

Classwork-Homework
Variables in Your Experiment Resouce Pages 6-7

Will a Fake Cat Scare Birds Resource pages 8-9

TEC

Identifying Controls and Variables Part 1
Read about four Sponge Bob experiments.
Identify the Control, the Independent and Dependent Variable with the class.
Patty Power, Slimotosis, Marshmallow Muscle, Microwave Muscle

Resources

Day 4

Topic Testing Hypothesis

Objectives/ I can...
Make a plan for an experiment.

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.B.3a Identify an actual design problem and establish criteria for determing the success of a solution.
11.B.3d Test the protoype using available materials, instruments and technology and record the data.
11.B.3e Evaluate the test results based on established criteria, note sources of error and recommend improvements.

Classwork-Homework

Testing Hypothesis Student Guide page 4
Go over three experiments together

Making a Plan for an Experiment student page 5
Work in groups to make up an experimental plan.

TEC

Scientific Method- Controls and Variables Part2
Krusty Krabs, Clean Pants, Squidward's Symphony, Supper Bubbles

Resources

Day 5

Topic Answering Your Scientific Questions

Objectives/ I can...
Write a testable hypotheis.
Identify independent and dependent variables.

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.

Classwork-Homework

Answering Your Scientific Questions Resource pages 10-15

TEC

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.

Resources

Day 6

Topic Show Me the Data

Objectives/ I can...
Identify and describe pie charts, line graphs, scatter plots, and bar graphs.
Draw an example of a pie chart, line graph, scatter plot, and bar graph.
Explain how the four types of graphs are used to represent different kinds of information.

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.

Classwork-Homework

Introduce graphs
Ask:
Have you ever made a graph?
Why do people make graphs?
Can you name a type of graph?
Why is information presented in graphs rather than in tables?

Graphs of Bird Data Resource page 16

Graphing My Data Resource pages 17-21
Teach students to make a sample graph of each type of simple data.
Fun With Graphs Students Pages 8-10
Students make a pie chart, line graph, scatter plot, and bar graph.

TEC

Resources

Day 7

Topic Writing a Questioin

Objectives/ I can...
Design a study to answer a scientific research question.
Collect data and information that addresses their research question.
Draw an evidence-based conclusion.

Classwork-Homework

Annaliss'a Report Resource pages 24-25
Have kids read about chickadees and temperature,

Scientific Report Components Resource page 29
Identify parts of Annalisa's experiment.

Use the Starting Block to develop a topic.

Starting Block Game Piece
Play the Starting Block

TEC

Resources

Day 8

Topic Designing an Investigation

Objectives/ I can...
Design a study to answer a scientific research question.

State Goals
11.A.3a Formulate hypotheses that can be tested by collecting data.

Classwork-Homework

Plan and Conduct My Investigation Student pages 13-15
Students create a preliminary plan with their group or by themselves.
A draft of the data sheet must be included.
After approving plans, invite students to begin.
Pages 16-17 will be used later to outline their poster/presentation/paper.

TEC

Resources

Day 9

Topic Be an Expert: Inquiry Project

Objectives/ I can...
Conduct a scientific experiment.
Prepare a product that summarizes their work.
Give constructive feedback on another student's report or presentation.
Consider feedback to revise their report or presentation.

Classwork-Homework
Explain how to finish reports.
Use Student Pages to share results.

Continue to conduct research.
Page 16 Results and Analysis
Page 17 Conclusion and Discussion

Prepare a First Draft Project
Page 18 Share Your Findings

Bird Sleuth Reports Examples to show students.

Introduce Peer Review and the "Critical Friend."
Page 19 Peer Review: Student needs two critical friends

Conduct a Peer Review
Page 20-21 Peer Review Form

Second Draft of Project

Share Your Findings and Feedback
Page 23 Share Your Thoughts
Send your revised reports to Classroom Birdscope and BirdSleuth Reports.

Submission Guidelines

OnLine Submission Form

TEC

Resources

Assignments    Art Activity    Lab      Lesson Plan      _Tests
Maps     Resources     Web Sites    Field Trips
Computer      Book    Games    Extra Credit     PPT/Video

CONTROLLED EXPERIMENTS

Guide to Science Experiments 8 different experiments, including results. Kids fill out hypothesis, control, variable.....

DATA

Presenting Data 5 page lesson Click on the link and you will be at a table of contents. Scroll down to worksheets and click on Presenting Data.pdf Complete a Data Table and answer questions, Create a graph on venomous snake mortality and questions, rules for lab drawings, and finding averages. from Prentice-Hall

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.

EXPERIMENTS ON LINE

On Line Science Simulations Ball & Ramp, Magnetic Fields, Rabbit Genetics, Water Weed, Electrolysis, Marble Chips

Water Weed

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.

SCIENCE FAIR

Science Fair Topics A-Z

SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Scientific Method Worksheets

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

Energy Fair Scientific Method

Independent Investigation 2 Page blank experiment

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

Mysterious Death of Meriwether Lewis Neat WebQuest that investigates his death.

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

What Floats Your Boat? Building boats with clay

Examples of Variables

pH Scale

Extra Credit

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".

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

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