Examining the Characteristics of the Scientific Method Part II
Examining the Characteristics of the Scientific Method Part II
Grade Levels
10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Course, Subject
Environment and Ecology (Agriculture)
Related Academic Standards
Rationale
Vocabulary
Scientific Method: Is a systematic approach to problem solving.
Inference: is a conclusion drawn from specific observations.
Prediction: is a logical consequence of a suggested solution to an observation.
Hypothesis: Is an idea about the solution to a problem utilizing knowledge & research.
Variable : is the factor that is being tested in the experiment.
Independent Variable : is a variable that can be directly controlled by the researcher.
Dependent Variable : is a variable that is not predetermined by the researcher; it is a response that is measured by the investigator in the experiment.
Control : is an experiment done in exactly the same way as the experiment with the variable, but the variable is left out.
Data : is any recorded observations or measurements.
Conclusion : is a statement that includes all the remaining valid hypothesis / predictions into a reasonable explanation describing the events that have taken place.
Objectives
The students will be able to…
Identify the characteristics and terminology in each of the last five steps of the Scientific Method.
Demonstrate the principles of Scientific Investigative Thinking through modeling the steps of the Scientific Method.
Lesson Essential Question(s)
How does one validate a Hypothesis ?
How does one write a Conclusion ?
Duration
85 minutes
Materials
Readiness Assessment Test
Class Notes
Drawings & Illustrations
Environmental Science Text pgs.26-30
Suggested Instructional Strategies
W) Vocabulary Terms are placed on the board for students to define as the class progresses and students are given a brief summary of the upcoming activities.
H) The Lesson is begun with a story & questioning highlighting the major aspects of the lesson.
- How do we test our hypothesis to see if it is true or false ?
- The process of the scientific method is to eliminate possibilities in order to find those that do apply.
- The results of our testing usually does not come down to just one possibility.
- Our conclusion, more likely, is a result of several hypothesis or possibilities that appear to be applicable.
E) Breaking into lab groups, students will conduct their Lab Exercise to put into practice the major aspects of the lesson.
R) Students will review the results of their observations and record two positive reflections of their work and two areas that they could improve upon.
E) Students may discuss their individual results within their lab group and brain-storm ways to improve upon their performance, as well as, point out areas of strength.
T) IEP Curriculum Adjustment :
Typed Guided Notes for Students to Follow
Additional Time Support for Cognitive Processing
O) Homework Worksheet will draw students into reviewing their Notes taken, the class material covered, the lab activity, and reflect upon its application to a specific scientific investigation .
Instructional Procedures
1) RATS Quiz is distributed and completed by the students.
2) Quiz questions are reviewed & corrected. Students have an opportunity to orally reflect on the questions.
3) Students are introduced to the characteristics of the last five steps in the process of the Scientific Method and its importance in the process of Scientific Investigative Thinking & Problem Solving.
4) Working in lab groups, students will continue to attempt to answer the question: “What happens if sunlight is taken away from a tomato plant?”.
5) Utilizing the final steps of the Scientific Method and the process of brain-storming, Each student will draw up a testing procedure (experiment) for validating those hypothesis that apply and eliminating those hypothesis that did not apply, Establish a list of validated hypothesis and write a concluding statement that incorporates each of the validated hypothesis, and outlining a procedure for validating their conclusion.
6) Students review the outcomes of their notations and produce a written reflection of their performance.
7) Class presentation & activities are briefly reviewed and students are reminded of their homework assignment: complete Scientific Method worksheet #2
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Independent Activity (BDA, Do Now, KWL, Guided Reading, Word Splash, Expert Jigsaw, etc.)
RATS : Readiness Assessment Test Written Quiz (3 Questions)
1. Define the Scientific Method : (is a systematic approach to problem solving)
2. Define a Hypothesis : (Is an idea about the solution to a problem utilizing knowledge & research.)
3. Define a Prediction : (is a logical consequence of a suggested solution to an observation.)
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Pair Share (Peer Revising, Text Rendering, Document Review, etc.)
Review Quiz Questions & Student Reflection
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Whole Class, Mini Lesson (Whip, Literature Circle, Guided Lecture, etc.)
Students are introduced to the characteristics of the last five steps in the process of the Scientific Method.
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Independent Activity, Small Group Activity
1) Working in lab groups, students will continue to attempt to answer the question: “What happens if sunlight is taken away from a tomato plant?” . 2) Utilizing the final steps of the Scientific Method and the process of brain-storming, Each student will draw up a testing procedure (experiment) for validating those hypothesis that apply and eliminating those hypothesis that did not apply.
3) Establish a list of validated hypothesis and write a concluding statement that incorporates each of the validated hypothesis, and outlining a procedure for validating their conclusion. Example:
a) color change- green to yellow to brown b) no new growth c) no production of flowers or fruit d) plant dies
a) Color remains green b) Exhibits new growth c) Develops flowers d) Plant lives
If sunlight is taken away from a big boy tomato plant, then it will change color from green to yellow to eventually brown, it will produce no new growth, it will not produce flowers, and it will die.
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Whole Class Discussion, Reflection (Ticket Out the Door, Response Sheet, KWL, 3-2-1, etc.)
Students will review the Results of their recorded observations and produce a written Reflection of their outcomes.
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Formative Assessment
Written Quiz
Oral Questioning & Note Taking
Laboratory Observations
Written Observational Notations & Lab Drawings
Written Homework
Related Materials & Resources
Scientific Methodology Kenneth R. Miller Brown University
Dependent Variable
Independent Variable
Control
Data
Conclusion
Author
Eugene J. Bocan Jr.
Date Published
March 28, 2011
