Lesson Plan/Syllabus Critique

Scientific Method Unit Plan: Revised

ETEC 512 64C
Submitted to Janet McCracken
By Sheena Abboud
23939101
December 6
th
, 2012







Lesson Plan/Syllabus Critique
Scientific Method Unit Plan: Revised


Title: Discovering the Scientific Process (Grade 6) Time Frame: 10-12 classes

Goals:
6 1: Students will determine the appropriate steps that are necessary to
take in conducting an experiment or an investigation.

6 - 2: Students will design and carry out an investigation in which variables
are identified and controlled, and that provides a fair test to the question
being investigated

6 - 3: Recognize the importance of accuracy in observation and measurement
and apply suitable methods to record, compile, interpret and evaluate
observations and measurements.

Overview: Students will engage in an inquiry-based study that will lead them to
finding a scientific process that is best suited to their learning needs (mostly likely,
the scientific method). From this discovery, they will plan, carry out, and present an
investigation of a topic determined by the students themselves.

Instructional Technique: Project-based, guided discover, multiple learning
styles/intelligence types

Prior Knowledge: Students have completed a unit on Evidence and Investigation
where they carried out experiments which required them to develop hypotheses,
collect data, and form conclusions (aspects of the Scientific Method).

Definition: Scientific Method- A method of research based on gathering data,
creating a hypothesis and empirically tested, direct investigative approach. It is a
tool, but it is not the only way to complete scientific research.

Essential/Guiding Questions: What process do scientists use to do science?

What variables need to be identified and controlled in your experiment?
How can we use the scientific method to find answers to problems?
How do we conduct a fair test?
What makes a good investigation question?
What specific aspects, or variables, play a part in an investigation? Which
ones need to remain constant in order to conduct a fair test?
How can the results of your investigation be applied to real-life?
How do we present findings to the public in a way that will allow them to
understand the process of your investigation and your findings?

Student Preconceptions: Students have had prior experience conducting
experiments that were guided by the teacher. In this process, students developed
hypotheses, collected data, and drew conclusions. Students also have experience in
conducting research in other curricular areas and have an understanding of how to
select appropriate sources.

Instructional Activities:
Discovery
Learning
Interactive
Demonstrations
Inquiry Lesson Inquiry Lab

1) Have students
listen to the
Flocabulary song
and pinpoint
vocabulary used
to identify the
process.

1a) Have the whole
class create their
own piece (song,
comic, poem, etc.)
collaboratively, using
the vocabulary
learned in the song.

1b) Define the terms
collaboratively

3) With the puzzle
pieces identifying
the steps of the
scientific method.
Must work
together to
determine the
order of the steps
and reasons why
they are in that
order.


Conduct
investigation of
chosen topic.
- State
question/topic
- Research and
develop a
hypothesis
- Identify variables
and which to
control
- Conduct fair test
- Draw a
conclusion
- Present findings


2) Show episodes
of Mythbusters
and have students
to examine the
process used in
the investigations.


2a) In groups, have
students pinpoint
the steps taken in the
episode. Whole class
discussion lead by
each group.
- Name the steps
that were
identified and
create puzzle
pieces.
- What do you need
in order to conduct
a fair test?
- How do you
present your
findings?

4) Use findings
from Mythbusters
episodes to create
a rubric, which
will be used to
asses final
products (whole
class).


4a) Use findings
from Mythbusters
episode to
prepare a step-by-
step process guide
to reference
during
investigation.

5) Brainstorm and
discuss ideas for
investigation
topics.

Role of the teacher:
Provide constant feedback and formative assessment after each guiding
question, Discovery Learning (DL) activity, and Interactive Demonstration
(ID) step:
o Daily exit slips
o Daily group check-ins with each group to ensure progress
Provide guiding questions for directed inquiry
Provide models and resources during the DL and ID activities
Mentoring during different phases of the investigation process

Materials:
Media: Mythbusters episodes, Flocabulary song
Computer lab booked
Students will be expected to seek out materials specific to their
investigations