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Popcorn Science
Students identify and apply the scientific method through an experiment with popcorn. Then they identify what independent, dependent, and control variables are and create a list of different variables that affect popcorn popping....
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Testing the Water
Young scholars develop and test a hypotheses through collecting and recording water quality data. They perform their tests outdoors in a location with a safe stream and easy access for students. Their various experiments involve the...
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Floating and Sinking
Students conduct experiments in which they investigate which materials float and which sink. They examine what qualities the materials that float have in common. They carry out a scientific investigation, predict, and test their...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Wet Heads
Middle schoolers apply the steps of the scientific method to an experiment. They complete an instructional activity of scientific inquiry and use a spreadsheet software to create a graph illustrating data gathered.
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Review of the Scientific Method
Students review the Scientific Method with a hands-on activity. Working with a partner, they hypothesize the number of water drops that fit on the heads side of a penny. They collect data and share their results with the remainder of...
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Rusting and the Scientific Method
Students observe the oil can scene with the tin man from a clip from "The Wizard of Oz" and answer the question, "What can we learn about rust from this scene?". They take 2 tubes and 2 nails, adding 1 salt packet to 2 ml of distilled...
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A Pollution Solution- Taking Care of the Environment
Students examine the biodegradability of different brands of toilet paper in a hands-on activity. Through this activity they also discover the steps of the Scientific Method and use new terms such as hypothesis, procedure, observation,...
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Alka-Seltzer Cannons
Fourth graders examine how to conduct a reliable scientific experiment so that the results are valid. They compare and contrast the reaction of Alka-Seltzer tables, one whole and one crushed, and time how long each takes to pop the top...
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The Mystery Box
Middle schoolers work in groups with a wooden box that is sealed shut. They make predictions about what is inside the box. Before being allowed to open the box, the groups make hypotheses, conduct experiements, record results, draw...
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Centrifugal Force and Mandy Sue Day
Fourth graders explore the story Mandy Sue Day and investigate centrifugal force. They demonstrate the concept of centrifugal force, use analytical thinking and they conduct an experiment using centrifugal force. Students discuss the...
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Journal Introductions
Students explore the idea of scientific observation and the use of a journal to record their observations. They examine the proper vocabulary used when describing scientific inquiry. Students observe a science experiment and they discuss...
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Arthropod Data Collection
Students describe the life cycle of various bugs as well as their predators and feeding habits. The class participates in a discussion of the various methods scientists use to gather data including research and experiment. After...
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Color Me Hot
Seventh graders use the scientific method, to observe, record and analyze the data they gathered. They make observations using their five senses. Students compare, contrast and draw conclusions based on the observations and data...
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Using Inspiration To Support Logical Reasoning
Students share descriptions of science experiments they have conducted. They create a thin film on the surface of water in order to float light objects and observe that a paper clip does, indeed, float on the surface of the water at...
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Bird airport control
Students identify the various species of birds found in the wetlands. Students observe and record the key skills involved in scientific inquiry. Students handle and interpret data gathered on a field trip which reveals patterns and...
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Using The Scientific Method
Young scholars are given a problem or hypothesis, they can create a relevant experiment using the steps to the scientific method. They collect quantitative and qualitative observations in scientific experiments. Students identify the...
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What Living Things Need
Learners apply the process of scientific inquiry to explore how living things are dependent on one another for survival. They match animals with their generalized food source. Students predict what happens to the organisms when their...
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Comparing the Density of Iron
Students use scientific measuring tools to collect and use scientific data. They determine the density of four different objects by using their data to explain why objects have similar/different densities even though they are both made...
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Apply Scientific Inquiry and Scientific Habits of Mind
Students review the components of the scientific inquiry method. In groups, they develop hypothesis on a variety of different topics and design an investigation or experiment to test it. They share their conclusions with the class and...
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Scientific Methods and Inquiry Skills
Fifth graders conduct a mystery bag experiment and use the scientific method and inquiry skills to solve the mystery. They discuss how to make scientific "guesses," and in small groups use their five senses to try and figure out what...
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What Do Parts Do?
Students review the components of the scientific inquiry method. In groups, they identify and describe the components and functions of all of the parts of a plant. Using a diagram, they label the parts of the plant chosen and share...
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Apply Scientific Inquiry and Scientific Habits of Mind
Students review the components of the scientific inquiry method. In groups, they apply this method to various experiments they are given to complete. They also use the correct scientific habits of mind when researching different concepts.
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Case of the Missing Cookies
Young scholars imagine they are a detective who has been asked to solve the theft of cookies from a jar in the student cafeteria. Students practice using the steps of the scientific method to solve the crime. Finally, young scholars...
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Peanut Processes
Students use the senses are to make observations about phenomena. They use a peanut and its shell as the object of a series of observations. In addition, they complete a drawing with their written observations to use as a guide to choose...