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25 Instructional Days Strand(s) Addressed: (Aug 1 Sep 6) Primary: Engineering, Technology and Applications of Science [ETS]Scientific Inquiry o Experimental Design [ED], Use of Scientific Tools [ST], Data Analysis [DA], Explanation and Communication of Results [EC] Secondary: Life Science [LS] Structures of Life o Cells [C], Matter and Energy in Ecosystems [MEE] Designed by: Christopher A. Guanajuato Brief Summary of Unit (including curricular context and unit goal(s): The science program in the fifth grade is designed to lay the foundation for understanding scientific phenomena by providing hands on experiences. At the same time, students develop the scientific inquiry skills of observing, experimenting, predicting, hypothesizing, measuring, interpreting and recording data through a wide variety of activities. The application of these skills through investigations will enrich and enhance the learning of science content leading to a greater understanding of the content and the ability to make connections between concepts and the real world. This unit is designed to introduce the basic skills needed to conduct scientific inquiry. These include: the ability to make detailed observations and conduct basic research; the ability to identify questions and science concepts that guide investigations; the development of good experimental design; the use of appropriate tools and procedures for gathering data and analyzing and interpreting results; the proper use of mathematics; the development of explanations and descriptions based on evidence; and the communication of scientific procedures and explanations. In addition, students must learn to analyze the validity of data and address validity in their experimental design. These skills will be systematically taught through simple activities, building to guided investigations, and resulting in inquiry experiences.
Specifically, students will be guided through two sequential investigations dealing with observable characteristics of organisms. Students will observe, compare, categorize, and care for a selection of organisms, and in so doing they learn to identify properties of plants and to sort and group organisms on the basis of observable properties. Students will investigate structures of the organisms and learn how some of the structures function in growth and survival. In the culminating performance task, they will develop questions and conduct research on ideal conditions for planting, growing and harvesting a plant of choice. Students will be asked to develop and implement a controlled scientific experiment and report on their findings in a scientific report. The conclusion developed in their report will be used to inform their writing of a scholarly article for a school publication that contributes discussions about plants, analyze evidence and synthesize ideas about plants and how to best grow them.
5.ETS.ED.2 Identify whether a question is a testable question. 5.ETS.ED.3 Write a testable question in the proper format, How will [one variable I change] affect [the outcome of what is measured]? 5.ETS.ED.4 Recognize the variables that need to be controlled in order for the experiment to be considered fair.
5.ETS.ST [Use of Scientific Tools] Select tools and procedures needed to conduct a simple experiment. 5.ETS.ST.1 Identify common scientific tools and what they measure, such as a thermometer, graduated cylinder, beaker, ruler (metric), timer, and pan balance (scale). 5.ETS.ST.2 Select and use the appropriate tools, with guidance, to investigate a specific question. o 5.ETS.ST.2.1 Identify dimensions, such as length, width, height, speed, acceleration, temperature, volume, and record the units of measure associated with a scientific tool, such as Fahrenheit and Celsius for temperature; liters for volume of liquid; the Newton for unit of force, grams for mass; milliseconds/ seconds/ minutes/hours for time.
5.ETS.DA [Data Analysis] Record raw data into a given table, graph, or diagram. 5.ETS.DA.1 Maintain a science notebook that includes observations, questions, hypotheses, procedure, materials, data, diagrams, and explanations. 5.ETS.DA.2 Identify the key parts of a table, graph or diagram. 5.ETS.DA.3 Interpret the results of a set of recorded data. 5.ETS.DA.4 Identify and interpret simple patterns of evidence to communicate the findings of multiple investigations. o 5.ETS.DA.1.1 Compare the results of a set of data across multiple investigations by finding central modes of tendency, such as mean, median, mode, and range.
5.ETS.DA.5 Recognize a faulty interpretation of data that is due to experimental error. 5.ETS.DA.6 Recognize that people may interpret the same results in different ways.
5.ETS.EC [Explanation and Communication of Results] Draw a conclusion supported by evidence. 5.ETS.EC.1 Draw a conclusion based on findings from multiple investigations of similar phenomena. 5.ETS.EC.2 Compare the results of an investigation with what scientists already accept about this question. 5.ETS.EC.3 Effectively communicate the results gathered from an investigation in written, visual and/or verbal formats.
5.LS.C.1 Distinguish between the basic structure and function of plant and animal cells. 5.LS.C.1.1 Identify and label the major parts of plant and animal cells, including mitochondria, cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, vacuole, cytoplasm, and chloroplast.
5.LS.MEE.2 Design and construct a model to describe the interactions of systems within an ecosystem in terms of the flow of energy, cycling of matter, and the conditions for a healthy ecosystem. 5.11 5.LS.MEE.2.2 Identify the cell structure, chloroplasts, that enable plants to conduct photosynthesis. 5.LS.MEE.2.3 Identify photosynthesis as the food manufacturing process in plants. 5.LS.MEE.2.6 Use models to describe how decomposition eventually restores (recycles) some materials back to the soil for plants to use.
What understandings are desired? To meet the established goals, students will need to understand that Scientists use different kinds of investigations and tools to develop explanations by using evidence and knowledge. [ETS] Organisms have basic needs and can survive only in environments in which their needs can be met. [LS]
What essential questions will be considered? To understand, students will need to consider such questions as
How are scientific questions developed and answered? [ETS] How does a change in any one environmental factor affect an organisms growth and/or survival? [LS]
What key knowledge and skills will students acquire as a result of this unit? Students will know Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science [ETS] Scientific Inquiry The scientific method is a step-by-step process scientists practice to design and conduct controlled experiments to develop explanations about specific questions about the natural world. Key terms related to scientific inquiry [Vocabulary terms include, but are not limited to, the words in blue in the Established Goals section] The components of a scientific observation. The purpose and format for a testable question and hypothesis. Common scientific tools and what they measure. Raw data must be organized in the form tables or graphs. Conclusions must be based on evidence, with consideration of possible differences in interpretation and experimental error.
Students will know (Continued) Life Science [LS] Structures of Life Organisms have basic needs and can survive only in environments in which their needs can be met. Each plant and animal has different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival, and reproduction. Plants and animals have life cycles. The details of this cycle are different for different organisms. Plants and animals closely resemble their parents, and many characteristics of an organism are inherited from their parents.
Origin of Seeds Investigation Students conduct a seed hunt by opening fresh fruit and locating the seeds. They scribe and compare seed properties. Students examine and sort a selection of seeds bean, pea, sunflower, and corn. They investigate the effect water has on the seeds by setting up seed sprouters and observing and recording changes over a week. Students systemically find out how much water lima beans soak up in a day.
Seeds are found in the plant part called a fruit. Different kinds of fruits have different kinds and numbers of seeds. Seeds have a variety of properties. Seeds undergo changes in the presence of water. A seed is an organism, a living thing. A seed contains the embryo plant and stores food and water.
Growing Further Investigation Students examine germinated seeds to determine similarities and differences in the way the organisms grow. They set up a hydroponic garden to observe the life cycle of a bean plant.
Germination is the onset of a seeds growth. Plants need water, light, and nutrients to grow. The life cycle is the process of a seed growing into a mature plant, which in turn produces seeds. The fruit of the plant develops from the flower.
Students will be able to Engineering, Technology and Applications of Science [ETS] Scientific Inquiry and Life Science [LS] Understand that scientists use different kinds of investigations and tools to develop explanations using evidence and knowledge. Organize and maintain scientific investigation work in a Science Notebook. Write detailed scientific observations. o Write descriptions and/or draw diagrams of a sequence of steps, events, or observations of changes over time. Origin of Seeds Investigation Estimate numbers of seeds. Describe and sort seeds in terms of properties. Compare and record the number and properties of seeds from a variety of fruits. Growing Further Investigation Grow plants hydroponically and observe the life cycle changes over time. Record information systematically for later analysis. Observe and sort seedlings by properties of germination. Compare germination in different types of seeds. Apply mathematics in the context of science. o Employ appropriate tools to gather data such as measures of length, weight, temperature, and liquid volume. Conduct basic research by developing a KWL chart. o Acquire vocabulary associated with scientific inquiry and life science. o Gain experience with organisms, both plants and animals. o Develop an attitude of respect and understanding for life. Identify questions based on careful observations of phenomena and information. o Ask questions of others to clarify ideas or request evidence. o Develop at least one specific question so that it can be answered through the design and conduction of a scientific investigation. Make predictions based on patterns of observation and information gathered (rather than guessing). o Develop at least one specific hypothesis that is confirmed or rejected after conducting a scientific investigation.
Students will be able to (Continued) Apply scientific thinking processes to conduct investigations and build explanations: observing, communicating, comparing, organizing, and relating. o Organize and analyze data from experiments and investigations with plants and animals to construct reasonable explanations. o Analyze alternative explanations and predictions. Growing Further Investigation Investigate the effect of water on seeds. Performance Task o Conduct a systemic investigation. Exercise language, math, and social studies skills in the context of life science investigations to communicate investigations and explanations. Curricular and Instructional Resources FOSS (Full Option Science System) Structures of Life Module Matrix (Grade 4) FOSSweb Interactive activities FOSS Middle School Science Notebooks The 5 E Learning Cycle Model Inquiry Approach
Stage 2Determine Acceptable Evidence What evidence will show that students understand? Performance Task Green Grub: The Science of Growing Your Own Food and Beyond Students develop a scholarly article for a school newsletter that informs the students, staff, and parents and potentially outside organizations of the value of growing your own food and propose what, when, where, why and how they would plant and harvest a plant of choice. In this statement, students provide information about the type of seed and its life cycle, the best time and conditions for germination, maintenance, and harvesting time. Students must support this description with the results of their own scientific investigation and propose new questions and/or insights related to the science of plants. Goal: Your task is to write a scholarly article for our first LEAD Science Times publication. The goal is to teach the general community, LEAD students, parents, and staff about how we can grow our own food and even plan for our own garden. The problem or challenge is that we live in a fast paced world, where we rely increasingly on fast and/or processed food that is not always the healthiest option. Maintaining a garden is difficult, back-breaking work. How can we grow our own food, which is nutritious and healthy, while at the same time learn, educate, exercise, have fun, and even make money and/or address health/hunger issues? What role can gardening take in promoting and sustaining healthy communities? The obstacles to overcome are that we lack the general resources and knowledge to grow our own food. Most people also do not have the time, so how can we present the simplest and most efficient way to grow our favorite herbs, fruits and /or veggies? We will need to learn and apply the scientific method to develop the knowledge and skills to best answer these questions.
Role: You are a scientist (naturalist/botanist), researcher, writer, artist/illustrator and/or educator. You have been asked to address the problem of learning to grow our own food to decrease our dependence on fast and/or processed foods. Your job is to learn as much as possible about what makes plants grow successfully by making observations, conducting research and a simple experiment to answer a specific question about how to best grow a plant of your choice.
Audience: Your clients are organizations that may consider a grant to award you money to buy the resources you need to continue your plant experiments and/or to develop a garden at your school, community, or at home. The target audience is the general LEAD community, including parents, staff, and students, as well as outside organizations that support our cause. You need to convince the general LEAD community and outside organizations that you possess the knowledge and skills to use science to grow your own food and that you merit their support in the form of volunteer time and/or monetary donation/sponsorship.
Situation: The context you find yourself in is a situation with few resources and a general lack of knowledge and skills to grow our own food that is nutritious and healthy. The challenge involves dealing with understanding information and developing the observation and scientific skills to learn how to best grow our own food and then to effectively communicate and convince our audience that we merit support in helping us develop our own community and/or home garden.
Product, Performance, and Purpose: You need to develop detailed observations and research to design and conduct a simple plant experiment in order to communicate your findings through a written science report. You will create a scholarly news article in order to communicate how we can best grow our own food based on scientific evidence.
Your performance needs to demonstrate that you can conduct a simple scientific experiment and communicate your findings about how to best grow a plant of choice. Your work will be judged by select LEAD Academy community members, including a family member, peer, and/or staff. Your product must meet the following standards: I can o Select an investigation that could be used to answer a specific question. o Select and use tools and procedures needed to conduct a simple experiment. o Record raw data into a given table, graph, or diagram. o Draw a conclusion supported by evidence. A successful result will be a scholarly article that describes the purpose and results and significance of your scientific investigation.
Performance Task Blueprint What understandings and goals will be assessed through this task?
Students will plan and conduct a simple experiment by applying the scientific method.
What criteria are implied in the standards and understandings regardless of the task specifics? What qualities must student work demonstrate to signify that standards were met?
An understanding of the steps of the scientific method and key vocabulary A viable testable question and hypothesis in the recommended format Accurate use of measuring tools Accurate recording and organization of observations and data Interpretation of data and recognition of experimental errors Communication of results that reference research and supported by evidence/data
Since we have been learning about plants and the scientific method, you are developing the knowledge and skills to conduct your own experiments and discover knowledge that can be used to make a difference. Using your observations and research on plants, choose one specific type of plant you think would be useful to know how to grow in a garden. Your goal is to plan and conduct a simple scientific experiment to learn about how to best grow this plant. You will then share your findings in our first publication of LEAD Science Times, which will be used to educate and reach out to LEAD Academy families, staff, and students, as well as outside organizations about the benefits of growing your own food. You will use your scientific report to help you write a scholarly article in which you will explain the purpose and results of your experiment, and persuade your audience why this topic is important and how they can help.
What student products and performances will provide evidence of desired understandings?
Scientific Report Scholarly Article Reflection responses Responses to Peer/Audience Feedback
WHERETO: (Continued) 6. Present scientific investigation and process skills (Part II) Growing Further [E] a. Set up a hydroponic garden to observe the life cycle of a bean plant. b. Examine germinated seeds to determine similarities and differences in the way the organisms grow. c. Read Science Stories folio: Hydro-growing; Seeding Space. d. Language Extensions: Keep journals of the growth of plants; Play concentration with life-cycle pictures. e. Math Extension: Problem of the week. f. Social Studies Extension: Research staple crops around the world. g. Science Extensions in connection to the Performance Task: Take home hydroponics; Explore other conditions for plant growth; Compare plants grown in soil; Develop a testable question and hypothesis. h. Home/School Connection: Look around their neighborhood for plants and observe the different plant structures. 7. Review and refine Observations, Research, Testable Question and Hypothesis step of the scientific method for Performance Task; Quiz [R] 8. Model Experiment Design component of Performance Task with a controlled experiment of Pinto Bean Seeds. [E2] a. Guide students in developing their own design and prepare for individual/collaborative team experiment. [T] b. Students undergo a revision process of their experimental design before being approved to conduct their experiment. [R] 9. Model conducting the Controlled Experiment component of Performance Task based on the model experimental design. Quiz [E2] a. Review Procedure, Materials, Data Collection, Data Analysis and Conclusion steps of the scientific method. b. Students conduct simple experiment independently/collaborative teams after at least 3 revisions of experimental design. [T] 10. Model the writing of a scientific report component of the Performance Task.[E] a. Students work on at least three drafts of scientific report. [R] [E2] b. Review the purpose and goals of Science Times publication and model writing a scholarly article by adapting the Conclusion of the model scientific experiment report. 11. Model the scholarly article peer-review process. [E2] a. Students respond to one peer-review feedback based on rubric. [R] 12. Design and production of Science Times publication (paper based and online).[H] 13. Conclude the unit with student self-evaluation and reflection; Test. [E2] [R]
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Day 6 6. Present scientific investigation and process skills (Part II) Growing Further [E]
Day 9 7. Review and refine Observations, Research, Testable Question and Hypothesis step of the scientific method for Performance Task; Quiz [R]
Day 10 8. Model Experiment Design component of Performance Task with a controlled experiment of Pinto Bean Seeds. [E2]
Day 16 10. Model the writing of a scientific report component of the Performance Task.[E]
Day 19
Day 20
Day 21 12. Design and production of Science Times publication (paper based and/or online).[H]
Day 25 13. Conclude the unit with student selfevaluation and reflection; Test. [E2] [R]