Grade 05 Science - EC: S5.A.2.1.1

Continuum of Activities

The list below represents a continuum of activities: resources categorized by Standard/Eligible Content that teachers may use to move students toward proficiency. Using LEA curriculum and available materials and resources, teachers can customize the activity statements/questions for classroom use.

This continuum of activities offers:

Instructional activities designed to be integrated into planned lessons
Questions/activities that grow in complexity
Opportunities for differentiation for each student’s level of performance

Grade Levels

5th Grade

Course, Subject

Science

Related Academic Standards / Eligible Content

S5.A.2.1.1 S5.A.2.1.1

Design a simple, controlled experiment (fair test) identifying the independent and dependent variables, how the dependent variable will be measured and which variables will be held constant (e.g., relate the effect of variables [mass, release height, length of string] to number of swings of a pendulum, investigate the relationships between variables in paper airplane designs).

Activities

If something remains constant does it:

Increase
Decrease
Remain the same

Would it be a good idea to change many things during an experiment? Or just one? Explain your thinking?
State what you might measure in the following experiment topics.

How long it takes an ice cube to melt.
Increasing the angle of a ramp.
How long it takes mold to grow on a piece of bread.

Read the following investigation description. Then state the independent variable and the dependent variable.
Students were asked to measure how many drops of water a penny can hold. One group decides to measure how many drops the “heads” side, and another group measures how many drops the “tails” side can measure. Each group uses the same type of water dropper, but one group drops water fast and the other group drops water slowly.

Using the following materials, construct a possible scientific investigation: washers, string, stop watch, ruler
Example: Using a string and a washer, we will determine the amount of times the washer swings in 20 seconds. The string length will begin at 4 cm and increase the string length by 2 cm for each round following. The string will be pulled to a consistent release point for each round.

Identify a control, independent variable, and dependent variable in your investigation.
Complete a minimum of 5 rounds of testing, then graph your results.
Use the data collected from your graph to determine a conclusion statement.

After completing the tasks found above, revise your sample controlled experiment with an alternative independent variable.
Using the revised variable, make a flow chart that details the steps of the new simple, controlled experiment. Be sure to include all the steps in the scientific method.
Think and discuss with a friend at your table, which is the better experiment? Be ready to share your thoughts and findings with the class.
As we listen to the other designed experiments, think about the question, “what makes an experiment successful?"

Answer Key/Rubric

C
Only 1 change is recommended, because a scientist can keep track of the changes.
Student's answers may include, but are not limited to:
1. Temperature, time, weight of the ice cube
2. Speed, angle change
3. Time, location
Independent- fast/slow, heads/tails, Dependent- number of drops (the data collected)
Student writes a possible investigation using materials
Control- stay constant, Independent – variable that changes, dependent- data controller
Student completed task
Teacher will look at each student’s work individually and evaluate.
Student will revise and change the independent variable
Student will make appropriate flow chart with steps and teacher will evaluate
Student and tablemates will work to revise and review workability, teacher will evaluate
Success depends on the materials present, if it was a realistic task, and measurable data- teacher will evaluate and lead discussion