Scientific InquiryDesigned by Lee Ann HelsingAugust 2011

Goals: The main goal of this lesson is to teach

students to use their five senses to complete a scientific investigation.

Students will learn the steps to use in a scientific investigation.

At the end of this lesson students will have an opportunity to choose an experiment to practice these skills.

Standards: Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic:1.1The student will conduct investigations in which a)differences in physical properties are observed using the senses; b)simple tools are used to enhance observations; c)objects or events are classified and arranged according to attributes or properties; d)observations and data are communicated orally and with simple graphs, pictures, written statements, and numbers; e)length, mass, and volume are measured using standard and nonstandard units; f)predictions are based on patterns of observation rather than random guesses; g)simple experiments are conducted to answer questions; and h)inferences are made and conclusions are drawn about familiar objects and events.

Take a minute to think about this question:

What would it be like to be a real scientist?

Do you have 5 senses? Can you use your 5 senses?

YES!

You are a scientist!You can use your sense of taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing to make careful observations during a scientific investigation!

Next Slide

Watch this video about using the scientific method. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytX-0

nxZUCk&NR=1&feature=fvwp

Watch this video to hear a rap song about the scientific method. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xg4bIpuvRw&feature=related

Do you think scientists use tools?

NoYES

I’m sorry, that is not the correct answer. Scientists actually use many tools to

conduct an investigation. Please click the button below to learn more.

Press Here for the Correct Answer

Correct! Scientists use many tools to conduct investigations! These are just a few examples. Can you think of others?

Let’s break this process down.1) Ask a question.What do you wonder about this experiment? Write your question down in your lab journal.

2)Predicting and Planning Predict what you think will happen in the

experiment. Write it down. Plan your experiment. What tools will

you need? What are the steps? What questions do you want to answer. How will you present the information?

3)Observe & Measure Use your five senses to make careful

observations. Record these observations in a science lab notebook.

4)Record & Present Record all of your observations. Reflect

on this information and think about how it compares to your predictions. Have you answered your questions? Decide on a way to present what you have learned after completing this assignment.

5)Conclude & Communicate Think about what you have observed.

Were your predictions correct? What have you learned?

How are you going to share what you have learned with others?

Let’s Practice Being a Scientist! Go to the following site to choose an

experiment to complete with your small group. You must have your lab approved by your teacher before you begin.

http://www.kids-science-experiments.com/

BibliographyThis presentation was designed by Lee Ann Helsing.Videos:“How to Conduct an Experiment Using the Scientific Method.” Howcast.com. August 16, 2010. Online video clip. Howcast. 7 August 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytX-0nxZUCk&NR=1&feature=fvwp“Scientific Method Rap Video.” FricknFrack 1000. October 10, 2010. Online video clip. You Tube. 7 August 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xg4bIpuvRw&feature=related