Chemistry Lesson Plan

Lesson Title: Glowstick Investigation

Targeted Grade Level: Third grade

Standards: Standard 3.S.1: The student will use the science and engineering practices,

including the processes and skills of scientific inquiry, to develop understandings of science

content. 3.S.1A. Conceptual Understanding: The practices of science and engineering support the

development of science concepts, develop the habits of mind that are necessary for scientific

thinking, and allow students to engage in science in ways that are similar to those used by

scientists and engineers.

Performance Indicators: Students who demonstrate this understanding can:

3.S.1A.6 Construct explanations of phenomena using (1) scientific evidence and

models, (2) conclusions from scientific investigations, (3) predictions based on observations

and measurements, or (4) data communicated in graphs, tables, or diagrams.

Lesson Objective:

Students will be able…

To conduct experiments.

To predict results.

To draw conclusions based on evidence.

To share those conclusions.

Lesson Overview:
 • Start with a slideshow explaining the scientific method;

• Model with an example;

-5 minutes

• Next, ask the question: Does the temperature affect the brightness of a glow stick?

• Have students pull out their notebooks and fold a paper in half, hotdog style. In the first

column, students will write a hypothesis predicting the effect of temperature on the glow

stick;

-10 minutes

• Divide students into groups of three and give them (1) a cup full of water and ice, (2) a

cup full of boiling water, (3) two glow sticks, and (4) some paper towel;

• In the group, Student A will prepare the supplies;

• Student B will crack the glow sticks and insert them in the cups;

• Student C will observe and record the differences;

• On the second column of the notebook page, students will document their conclusion

based on their data;

• Groups will then pair off and discuss their research and conclusions;

• Teacher will collect the notebooks to assess understanding.

-15 minutes

Instructional Materials:

1. PowerPoint;

2. Notebook;

3. Writing utensils;
 4. Glow sticks;

5. Cups;

6. Ice;

7. Water;

8. Hot water.

Instructional Strategies:

• Lecture (PowerPoint);

• Q&A (Bloom’s Taxonomy, e.g. what can you predict/hypothesize will happen?);

• Demonstration (with example of scientific method);

• Hands-on (with group inquiry and exploration).

References

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Glow-Stick-Brightness-Investigation-2nd-

and-3rd-Grade-Experiment-942411