1. Asking questions, solving problems and investigating the natural world
The Scientific Method
Asking questions, solving problems and investigating the natural world

2. Day 1: What is the Scientific Method?
Essential Question:
What method do scientists and engineers use to ask questions and solve problems as they relate to the natural world?

3. Read about the scientific method and take notes.
Complete flip chart

4. Day 2: Observations Essential Questions:
How can our observations lead to asking questions?
How can our observations lead to an investigation?

5. Scale for understanding:
(4) Highly Proficient
** (3) Proficient
I can complete all of the task at a 3 and identify situations in other classes and the real-world where it would be appropriate to use the scientific method
I can teach the tasks at a 3 to a friend or family member and explain my thinking
I can identify and explain all parts of the scientific method (observation/question, research, hypothesis, experiment, collect/analyze data, conclusion and variables)
I can work through the scientific method to complete an experiment and explain my findings using details from the lab
(2) Partially Proficient
(1) Minimally Proficient
I can identify and explain most of the steps of the scientific method
I can work through the steps of the scientific method to complete an experiment but I struggle when asked to explain my findings
With help from the teacher, I can identify and explain the parts of the scientific method
With help from the teacher, I can work through the steps of the scientific method to complete an experiment and explain my findings

6. What does it mean to observe?
Think-Pair-Share
1 minute and then be ready to discuss

7. Your Task: Understand the importance of science and being detailed
There are 8 stations around the room
Each station has a sealed bag with a school item in it
Your job is to use your senses, except your eyes, to try and figure out what is in each bag
You will record the information on the worksheet that I have given you. Later you will need to glue it into your notebook and add it to your table of contents
Remember: be detailed and thorough in your scientific investigation of the mystery cat bags!

8. Wrap it up! Discover the truth: What is really in the bags
Complete the reflection page: Generate initial ideas for the scientific process as they relate to your investigation of the bags.

9. Day 3: Observations and Inferences
Essential Questions:
How can observations be classified?
How can observations lead to inferences?

10. Scale for learning
(4) Highly Proficient
** (3) Proficient
I can complete all of the task at a 3 and identify situations in other classes and the real-world where it would be appropriate to use the scientific method
I can teach the tasks at a 3 to a friend or family member and explain my thinking
I can identify and explain all parts of the scientific method (observation/question, research, hypothesis, experiment, collect/analyze data, conclusion and variables)
I can work through the scientific method to complete an experiment and explain my findings using details from the lab
(2) Partially Proficient
(1) Minimally Proficient
I can identify and explain most of the steps of the scientific method
I can work through the steps of the scientific method to complete an experiment but I struggle when asked to explain my findings
With help from the teacher, I can identify and explain the parts of the scientific method
With help from the teacher, I can work through the steps of the scientific method to complete an experiment and explain my findings

11. Making Observations
You have 30 seconds to remember as much detail about the items on the next page. The more detail the better. At the end of 30 seconds, record everything that you remember form the slide. You may not write while the pictures are still on the screen!

13. Times Up!
Write down as many items with as much detail as you can remember!

14. Observations – In your notebook
A good scientist is observant and notices things in the world
A good scientist is curious about what is happening around them
When making your observations focus on the facts not your opinion
Two kinds of observations:
Qualitative: Use your five senses, see, smell, taste, hear, and touch. Physical and chemical characteristics.
Quantitative: What we measure. A specific quantity.

15. Starburst Observations
Your notebook page:
Starburst Observations
Qualitative
Quantitative 1 2 3 4

16. What are your Observations?

17. Pigeon Impossible: Inferences
Day 3(continued): Using Observations to make inferences

18. Scale for learning (4) Highly Proficient ** (3) Proficient
I can complete all of the task at a 3 and identify situations in other classes and the real-world where it would be appropriate to use the scientific method
I can teach the tasks at a 3 to a friend or family member and explain my thinking
I can identify and explain all parts of the scientific method (observation/question, inferences, research, hypothesis, experiment, collect/analyze data, conclusion and variables)
I can work through the scientific method to complete an experiment and explain my findings using details from the lab
(2) Partially Proficient
(1) Minimally Proficient
I can identify and explain most of the steps of the scientific method
I can work through the steps of the scientific method to complete an experiment but I struggle when asked to explain my findings
With help from the teacher, I can identify and explain the parts of the scientific method
With help from the teacher, I can work through the steps of the scientific method to complete an experiment and explain my findings

19. A conclusion made based on observations
Inference
A conclusion made based on observations

20. Pigeon: Impossible Make your inferences:
Make your inferences:
What is the mans job? Support your inference with evidence.
What was the main problem in the film? Support your claim with evidence.
What are 2 qualitative observations that you made during Pigeon:Impossible
What are 2 quantitative observations that you made during Pigeon:Impossible

21. Inference practice Label you notebook page – Inference practice
We will look at 4 pictures together and make qualitative and quantitative observations and an inference for each.
The 5th picture will be your ticket out the door and a quick assessment of your understanding.
You must write in complete sentences and you must include a qualitative and quantitative observation in your reasoning for your inference
Example – This man has injured himself. I believe this to be true because of the 1 black lightning bolt and red face.

26. Quick Quiz – Exit Ticket
Use the picture and make the following:
Qualitative Observation
Quantitative Observation
Inference
All answers need to be written in complete sentences.
Quick Quiz – Exit Ticket

27. Day 4: Observation and Inference Assessment
Use a video clip and image to make observations that lead to an inference.

28. Duck! Rabbit! Observations
Duck/Rabbit Video

29. You Decide!
Now that you have seen the video clip decide if it is a duck or a rabbit.
Use your observation skills to explain why it is a duck or rabbit.
After creating your duck or rabbit write 3 qualitative and 3 quantitative observations
You also need to provide a short explanation for why it is a duck or rabbit.

30. Day 5: Questions and Variables
Essential Question:
What is the difference between a question and a testable question?

31. Scale for understanding:
(4) Highly Proficient
** (3) Proficient
I can complete all of the task at a 3 and identify situations in other classes and the real-world where it would be appropriate to use the scientific method
I can teach the tasks at a 3 to a friend or family member and explain my thinking
I can identify and explain all parts of the scientific method (observation/question, research, hypothesis, experiment, collect/analyze data, conclusion and variables)
I can work through the scientific method to complete an experiment and explain my findings using details from the lab
(2) Partially Proficient
(1) Minimally Proficient
I can identify and explain most of the steps of the scientific method
I can work through the steps of the scientific method to complete an experiment but I struggle when asked to explain my findings
With help from the teacher, I can identify and explain the parts of the scientific method
With help from the teacher, I can work through the steps of the scientific method to complete an experiment and explain my findings

32. Prediction
To make a guess about the future based on the past.

33. Coke V. Diet Coke
What do you observe about each of the cans of Coke and tub of water? (3 total, Qualitative or Quantitative) What’s a question that we can ask and test? It has to be testable and not include an opinion What do you predict will happen? Write down what you observe about the cans of Coke as we test them.

34. Define: Testable Question
Based on the Coke V. Diet Coke activity what do believe the definition to ‘Testable Question’ to be?

35. Testable Question
A question that leads to an investigation and does not include an opinion.
Ex – What type of frog visit Lake Powell during the summer?
Not an Example – Which frog is the prettiest?

36. Practice: Orange, to peel or not to peel, that is the question….
Write down at least 3 observations (qualitative and quantitative) about the orange, the peeled orange and the water
What is a TESTABLE QUESTION we can ask and test?
What do you predict will happen?
Write down what you observe during the test.
What did happen?

37. Introduction of Variables
Variables are changed or measured in an experiment Independent Variable – Changed or manipulated by the scientist Dependent Variable – Measured. Its what is affected by the independent variable Controls – What stays the same, never changes.

38. Practice
Coke V. Diet Coke Independent Variable (IV) – Dependent Variable (DV) – Control(s) – Orange V. Peeled Orange Control(s)-

39. Review: Ticket out What is a testable question?
(4) Highly Proficient
** (3) Proficient
I can complete all of the task at a 3 and identify situations in other classes and the real-world where it would be appropriate to use the scientific method
I can teach the tasks at a 3 to a friend or family member and explain my thinking
I can identify and explain all parts of the scientific method (observation/question, research, hypothesis, experiment, collect/analyze data, conclusion and variables)
I can work through the scientific method to complete an experiment and explain my findings using details from the lab
(2) Partially Proficient
(1) Minimally Proficient
I can identify and explain most of the steps of the scientific method
I can work through the steps of the scientific method to complete an experiment but I struggle when asked to explain my findings
With help from the teacher, I can identify and explain the parts of the scientific method
With help from the teacher, I can work through the steps of the scientific method to complete an experiment and explain my findings
What is a testable question?
What are the two types of observations?
Where are you at on the scale and why? What do you need to do to move on the scale?
Remember, we just started, its ok to not know everything right now. Its not ok to not try to understand though
Review: Ticket out

40. Day 6 and 7: Variable Practice and Hypothesis Writing
Essential Question:
How does your question, prediction and variables become your hypothesis?

41. Read and check for understanding
Use the reading to further understand variables
Complete the worksheet to demonstrate your understanding of variables.

42. Writing a Hypothesis and Collecting Data
Notes

43. Scale for understanding:
(4) Highly Proficient
** (3) Proficient
I can complete all of the task at a 3 and identify situations in other classes and the real-world where it would be appropriate to use the scientific method
I can teach the tasks at a 3 to a friend or family member and explain my thinking
I can identify and explain all parts of the scientific method (observation/question, research, hypothesis, experiment, collect/analyze data, conclusion and variables)
I can work through the scientific method to complete an experiment and explain my findings using details from the lab
(2) Partially Proficient
(1) Minimally Proficient
I can identify and explain most of the steps of the scientific method
I can work through the steps of the scientific method to complete an experiment but I struggle when asked to explain my findings
With help from the teacher, I can identify and explain the parts of the scientific method
With help from the teacher, I can work through the steps of the scientific method to complete an experiment and explain my findings

44. Writing a Hypothesis
Hypothesis – an IF…Then statement that identifies variables and gives your prediction
1st – If (Independent Variable)
2nd – Then (Dependent Variable)
3rd – Prediction
4th – Because (reason for your prediction)
If….(IV)….Then….(DV)(Prediction)….Because…..

45. Hypothesis Examples
If plants are watered with different types of liquid then plants watered with sugar water will grow taller than the other plants because it will provide more nutrients for the plant.
If a diet coke and coke are placed in a container of water then the coke will sink because it is more dense.

46. Data Tables Headings (IV) Headings (DV) – distance Pennies 3 Pennies 6
Data/results

47. Line Graph
Title
Label (DV)
Label (IV)

48. Bar Graph
Label (DV)
Label (IV)

49. Graphing Line Graph: Shows change over time
Example: plant growth over time
Bar Graph: Compares two or more things
Example: number of pennies in each cup and the distance travelled

50. Implementing the scientific method
Paper Airplanes
Implementing the scientific method

51. The lab
You will fly three different paper airplanes and record the distance they travel(meters)
Your team needs to decide on the Independent variable that you will test.
You will repeat the lab 3 times

52. Your Notebook Variables and Hypothesis: Sample Data Table Copier Paper
IV (plane)
Trial 1 (M)
Trial 2 (M)
Trial 3 (M)
Mean Distance Travelled
Copier Paper
Graph Paper
Lined Paper
Variables and Hypothesis:
IV:
DV:
Control:
Hypothesis –
IF __________ THEN ____________BECAUSE
Create one that matches your variables. The trial columns should not change. Just the IV.

53. After the lab
Create a triple bar graph displaying the results for each type of plane(you will have 9 bars in all)
Write a detailed conclusion in PARAGRAPH form.
IX. Conclusion -5pts.
The conclusion should be in paragraph form and should have the following things present.
The purpose or problem statement and hypothesis should be re- stated
Evaluate if your hypothesis was supported or not
The procedure should be briefly explained and the data should be briefly summarized
The conclusion should be drawn from what your learned during the experiment
Did the experiment go as planned? Why or why not?
Suggest improvements or what you could do differently in the future to further your research
Describe how this can be applied to real-life situations
Distance Travelled
Type of Plane
T1 T2 T3 T1 T2 T3 T1 T2 T3
Plane1 Plan2 Plane 3

54. What Question Do You Have?
Ask a testable question, design and implement an investigation

55. Your Task
Over the next week you will develop a question that you can further investigate. You will design and implement an investigation based on your question You will then write a formal report of your findings.