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Page 1: sites.santarosa.k12.fl.us  · Web view... what does the word scientists ... Why is it important for the scientists to be able to observe ... The text states that “Scientists from

I Can Prove It! Investigating Science

Learning Goals:

The students will understand why scientist conduct experiments. The students will identify and be able to explain the steps in the scientific method. The students will use the structure of words to determine the meaning of unfamiliar terms.

Vocabulary:

Throughout the text you will see words in bold print. Explain to the students that this is a text feature that identifies words that are important to understanding the information or concept. Many of these you will be able to define as you read by using the context clues. However, if you are unable to identify the meaning through context, you may use another text feature, the glossary, which will define the bold print words located in the text. The glossary is located in the back of the book.

We will be looking closely at some of these words and using them as we discuss the text.

Day 1:

Today we will begin reading a book titled, “I Can Prove It!”. When we read informational text such as this, there are several text features that are included to make it easier to read and understand. (Point out the table of contents, captions, index, etc… and briefly discuss the purpose for each). You will not have to do this each time you read one of the science readers or other informational text, but helping the students see that these books contain different features will help them realize that there are tools in place that will guide them and help them better understand the text. Also, the students will see that informational text are set up differently than literary text and they need to approach them differently.

Read pages 4-7

What are some reasons that scientists conduct experiments? On pages 4 and 5 we see several words that contain the suffix –ist. This suffix, when added to a

word can mean, “one who specializes in a specific science or content or one who studies”. Using the meaning of the suffix, -ist, what does the word scientists mean? (one who specializes in science, one who studies science)

The text states that “Scientists often repeat the experiment to ensure it is valid.” What does the word valid mean as used in this sentence? Why would repeating the experiment help them to see if the experiment is valid?

Using the photographs, what are some safety measures that scientists use in order to get valid results?

This section contained 2 sidebar sections titled, “How Did They Prove It?” Why did the author include these sections?

Days 2-3:

After reading pages 8-9:o When might you use the scientific method? o After examining the diagram on page 9, when would a scientist go back and rethink their

hypothesis and try again?

Page 2: sites.santarosa.k12.fl.us  · Web view... what does the word scientists ... Why is it important for the scientists to be able to observe ... The text states that “Scientists from

As we read the remainder of the book, we will explore each step in the scientific method. As we read, I want you to think about the purpose as well as what happens during each step.

After reading page 11:o When scientists ask a question it must be about something observable and the results

must be measurable. Both of these words contain the suffix, -able. This suffix means “able to”. Using this meaning of the suffix –able, what do observable and measurable mean?

o Why is it important for the scientists to be able to observe and measure the results? After reading page 13:

o Why is it beneficial for scientists to perform research before they begin their experiment?

o The text states that “Scientists from around the world benefit from working together.”Find 2 sentences from page 13 that support this statement.

After reading page 14:o The hypothesis, or educated guess, should relate to the original question that was asked

in step 1. Looking at the example, “If I sprinkle salt on an ice cube, it will melt faster” I can infer or guess that the original question might have been, What will happen to an ice cube if you sprinkle salt on it?What question might this hypothesis answer-“If you provide a plant with more water, then plant will grow faster?”

o Review: What are the first three steps in the scientific method? After reading page 17:

o What is the difference between a controlled and a manipulated variable?o Why might the author have included the picture of the graduated cylinder (on page 16)?

What does this help you understand about the experiment?o Why is it important to keep a log, journal, graph, or chart to record observations?

After reading page 19:o What can we conclude about the amount of water and a plant’s growth?

You may have to ask probing questions such as: What happens to the plants that received 20 mL of water twice daily? repeat with 40 and 60. Now look at the plants that received 80 and 100 mL of water. How do these results differ?

After reading page 21:o Why is it important for scientists to communicate the results from their experiment? o When might you use the steps in the scientific method? How will understanding these

steps be beneficial?

Extension Activities:

Complete the graphic organizer- for “I Can Prove It” – students will identify each step of the scientific method and describe it.

Have the students write about the steps of the scientific method by responding to the following:

“Explain how scientists use the scientific method to test an idea. Include information about each step in the process.”