Fermilab LInC Online

The Scientific Method

Unit Description before LInC

Summary

Scenario

Student Pages

Rubric

Index of Projects

Grade Level: 6-8

Subject: Science

Learner Outcomes:

1. outcome 1 Students will know the components of the scientific method.
2. outcome 2 Students will increase their powers of observation.
3. outcome 3 Students will be able to follow directions and solve problems using the scientific method.
4. outcome 4 Students will be able to work in groups to solve problems.
5. outcome 5 Students will be able to do library research on a chosen topic, write a report and do an oral presentation.

Student Task: Students took notes on scientific method, read about scienctific method in their textbooks, students filled our worksheets relating to the scientific method, students watched video's showing the scientific method, and Students performed several labs involving the scientific method. Student teams will do a research project involving and element from the periodic table.

Teacher Role: Teacher lectured about elements of the scientific method, showed videos and encouraged student questions about components of the scientific method, teacher reviewed worksheets in class with students, performed demonstrations to encourage the students to be observant of natural laws, etc. and provided students assistance while they were performing various labs relating to the scientific method.

Grouping: Students worked individually developing their own knowledge base relating to the components of the scientic method. Students also work in lab groups to solve problems using the scientific method.

Hook: Do you know about this problem? How would solve it? A demonstration of a curious event?

Student-Directed Learning: Student teams will choose and element from the periodic table and do a research project on that element.

Use of Technology: Video's are used tho show the how the scientific method is applied, students us various types of laboratory equipment to solve problems, and students assess the internet while do research on elements from the periodic table.

Assessment: Students are assessed through graded worksheets, tests, completed lab reports, a completed 5 week research project that contains components involving library research, written report writing and oral presentation.

Example: Reflexes Lab

Grade Level: 6-8

Subject: Science

Learner Outcomes:

1. Students will be able to follow directions.
2. Students will be able to identify data and collect and analyze it and write a conclusion utilizing the scientific method.
3. Students will understand how the scientific method is used to solve problems.

Student Task: Students were to follow directions given on how to do the lab. Students were to perform the lab, collect and analyze data, write a conclusion. All this information was then put into a laboratory report.

Teacher Role: The teacher provided the lab procedures for the students to follow.

Grouping: Students worked in groups of three on the lab. No specific roles were assigned for the lab. All students were responsible for the content.

Hook: None.

Student-Directed Learning: None.

Use of Technology: None.

Assessment: Students performed lab and wrote up a lab report.

Created for the Fermilab LInC program sponsored by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Education Office and Friends of Fermilab, and funded by United States Department of Energy, Illinois State Board of Education, North Central Regional Technology in Education Consortium which is operated by North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL), and the National Science Foundation.

Author(s): Names of all authors (with e-mail address links)
School: Name of School, City, State
Created: March 1, 1999 - Updated: April 25, 1999
URL: /lincon/w99/projects/yourfoldername/pre.html