Inquiry Framework

Activity: Magic Milk

Subject: Applied Science

Grade: 9

Course Code: SNC1P

Overall Expectations:

A1. Demonstrate scientific investigation skills (related to both inquiry and research) in the

four areas of skills (initiating and planning, performing and recording, analysing and

interpreting, and communicating).

Specific Expectations:

A1.1 formulate scientific questions about observed relationships, ideas, problems, and/or

issues, make predictions, and/or formulate hypotheses to focus inquiries or research.

A1.2 select appropriate instruments (e.g., soil sampling instruments, a pneumatic trough

and test tubes, magnifying lenses, an electroscope) and materials (e.g., ebonite rods, star

charts, oxygen testing splints, pH paper) for particular inquiries.

A1.5 conduct inquiries, controlling some variables, adapting or extending procedures as

required, and using standard equipment and materials safely, accurately, and effectively, to

collect observations and data.

A1.6 gather data from laboratory and other sources, and organize and record the data using

appropriate formats, including tables, flow charts, graphs, and/or diagrams.

A1.7 select, organize, and record relevant information on research topics from various

sources, including electronic, print, and/or human sources (e.g., Statistics Canada
publications, NASA or EnerGuide websites, personal interviews), using recommended

formats and an accepted form of academic documentation.

Materials:

• Slim milk, 1% milk, 2% milk, 3.25% milk, and cream (1%)

• Food colouring

• Graduated beakers

• Paper plates

• Dawn dish soap

• Stop watch

• Hot plate

• Water

Overview:
Students will be handed the level 2 smart science framework worksheets. The

students will also be separated into groups of 4 for the purpose of the activity. Then they

will be given a short overview of the magic milk experiment and the list of materials used.

The teacher will perform the experiment using the 2% milk for demonstration purposes.

Students will then begin filling out the level 2 framework along with the instructor. The

instructor will have the level 2 framework sheets on the wall of the classroom so students

may follow along. The sheets on the wall will be laminated to ensure that the instructor can

write on the sheets when students begin giving possible answers. The students will have

one set of sheets at their table and will be asked to discuss and fill out the sheets based on

their observations. Students will be reminded about the definition of independent and

dependent variables. Each step of the level 2 framework will be modeled discussed with
the class as they are doing it. THe teacher will ask for answers from the groups to fill out

the sheets on the wall. The students will then record their own answers and possibly add

additional answers onto their sheets based on discussions with the class. Teacher may have

to guide students in the direction of good measurable dependent variables. Based on the

numbers in the class, the teacher will then have to guide the students to change one

independent variable and measure one dependent variable. For the purpose of this

framework the students may pick the type of milk they will change the the time the

reaction will last for.

After completion of the framework posters, students will need to conduct their own

experiment with their inquiry questions. This experiment is based on questions of inquiry

and predictions the students had about the experiment. The students may need additional

instructions depending on the variables they choose to manipulate. An example of this

would be adding food colouring constantly to ensure that students can constantly see the

rate of reaction. the The students will have to record their data within a data sheet created

by the students. The students will have to explain in writing how they are going to alter the

experiment and what their hypothesis is. They must make a list of materials as well as a

procedure for how the experiment will be performed. Students then must list their

independent, dependent, and control variables. Students then must record their data and

explain whether their predictions were correct or incorrect. This should be followed by a

brief paragraph explanation of why they were correct or incorrect and what extension

question they have about the results. The framework for the paragraph will be

demonstrated in the assessment section.

 The activity will take around two class periods and the reflection portion will be

due during the third class. Since the students should be filling out their reflection portion

throughout the experiment one day will be sufficient for hand in.

Original Activity Idea:

https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/magic-milk-a-classic-science-experiment-for-kids/

Smarter Science Framework:

Please See Attached

Assessment Plan:

Assessment Of Learning:

Students will be assessed based on a self reflection piece of writing that is based on

the inquiry experiment. The reflection piece will have five main sections. The five sections

include, new procedure step by step, hypothesis with explanation, list of all variables

(independent, dependent, and control), recording of data collected, and a follow up to if

their hypothesis was correct or incorrect. The last reflection piece should include an

additional question to further the experiment or to why the experiment worked as it did.

Students are asked to use one reference to base this portion off of. The students can

organize this data however they like, but they must do it in a fashion that is organized and

makes sense for their experiment. The individuals will hand one copy of the reflection for

their entire group.

Assessment For Learning:

Prior to the teacher let experiment, students will be asked to discuss and share their

definitions of dependent, independent, and control variables with examples of each. This
will gage student knowledge of variables and how they work within experiments. Examples

will be given during the experiment to reinforce their knowledge or variables.

Assessment As Learning:

During the Smart Science Framework observation and discussion portion,

students will be interviewed by the teacher to assess if they are on the right track. This will

include the teacher asking them about independent and dependent variables to see if

students are grasping what they need to manipulate during their own experiment. Students

will need to reflect whether their changes are valid and measurable for purposes of this

experiment. This will involve a 5 minute conversation with each group during the planning

phase of their next experiment.

Assessment Tools:

Marking Scheme for reflective writing:

Procedure step by step: 3 Marks (clarity, detail, accuracy)

Hypothesis: 1 mark

Materials list: 1 mark

Variables: 3 marks (independent, dependent, control)

Recording results: 3 marks (organization, table format, includes all possible trials of

experiment)

Reflection 5 marks: (explanation of hypothesis, prediction reflection, explanation of results,

source to backup explanation, further extension activity or inquiry)