BACKGROUND:
Introduce students to
how scientists look logically at the world. Scientists attempt to
simplify and understand how the world works and use different techniques
to gain this knowledge. Emphasize that before beginning a project,
whether it is in the science field or not, a working plan is needed.
Scientists normally predict an outcome to test an idea. In this lab,
students will gain practice in prediction and estimation and learn how
to present information or data. Data can either be "real" (actually
derived information from an experiment or observation) or "estimated" (a
general idea based on an educated guess.)
A graph is a tool that shows
easily read information. To be helpful, graphs must be designed correctly.
Graphs can show how things are related and how they can be compared.
Go over simple graphs, and emphasize bar graphs. Have students list
where they have seen graphs and charts. The list may include areas
such as the stock market, newspapers, television, math books, and advertisements.
Give the students a homework assignment to cut out graphs and charts from
a local newspaper. They will be amazed at how many they will find.
PROCEDURE:
- Review with
students the basic philosophy of the I.Science MaTe curriculum. The
Life Cycle is present on Planet Earth, because of the Water Cycle.
The movement of the outer portion of the Earth created water and three
different rocks (Rock Cycle) as a result of the Plate Tectonic Cycle.
This planet we call Earth has life, water, and rocks because of how we
were formed by the Universe Cycle. Understanding the Earth and how
we were formed gives scientists an insight into controlling the forces
that made us.
- See how much students
remember from their last year of science. Ask them which were their
favorite labs from Applied Science, Universe Cycle, Plate Tectonic Cycle,
Rock Cycle, Water Cycle and Life Cycle. This helps identify students
who are not familiar with the program.
- Discuss students' perception
of science by having them give their opinions on what they think science
is all about. Have students list the different parts of science,
like biology, geology, chemistry, or physics.
- Using the worksheet,
have students provide data so they can interpret a bar graph. Pose
the following question to the class, "How many students are between 3-4
feet tall, 4-5 feet tall, and 5-6 feet tall?"
- Then discuss how to
graph this information. Students should collect data using the worksheet,
plot their graphs, and then interpret the results as a class.
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