top of page

 

SCIENCE LESSON

 

Topic:               The Scientific Process

Focus:               Scientific Investigations 

Grade Level:   9-12

Duration:         Two 30- 45 Minute Lessons

 

Purpose/Rationale

​

The purpose of this lesson is to review the scientific process in preparation for a study of the contributions women, African-Americans, and other people of color have made in the field of science.  Students will be able to see themselves in the scientific world by studying those who have paved the way for them.  

 

State Standard:

9-12. ETS1.A:  Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

 

​

​

Material and Equipment

Computer

​

Internet

 

Resources

Links:

  

 

 

       

 Objectives

​

Academic:

​

Students will be able to:

  • Use the Scientific Method 

  • Read and synthesize information

  • Summarize information in writing

 

Behavioral:

​

Students will be able to:

  • Listen and follow oral instructions 

  • Follow written instructions 

  • Use technology to research and present information

 

 

Instructional Strategies

 

Speaking: Whole group and small group discussions 

Writing:  Summaries and narratives 

Multiple Intelligence Links (Gardener): Verbal-Linguistic, Visual-Spatial, Interpersonal and Intrapersonal  

 

Instructional Procedures

​

Students Handouts:

​

  • The Scientific Method Graphic Organizer  

  • The Scientific Method Handout (Definitions)  

  • Examples of the Scientific Method  

  • Scientific Method Practice  

 

 

 

 

Anticipatory Set:

​

  • Students will use their prior knowledge to define the scientific method steps, using the  attached Vocabulary Worksheet. (10 minutes)

 

  • Students will use the guided questions in the attached Scientific Method Guiding  Questions sheet (in color) to revise and refine their answers. (5 minutes)

       

Direct Instruction:

​

  • Students will share their answers in small group or whole class discussions. 

(10 minutes)

 

  • The instructor will use the Scientific Method:  Definition and Examples link,

https://www.thoughtco.com, to conduct a class discussion to further explain the steps and use of the scientific method. (15 minutes)

 

  • Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and further refine their  vocabulary definitions.

 

Guided Practice (Homework):

​

The instructor will place students in pairs or small groups (3-4 students) to complete this assignment. The instructor will also provide a list of two or three topics that students will use to practice the use of the Scientific Method. 

Sample Topics: (Instructors may determine their own topics that are inclusive of women, African-Americans and other people of color)

  1. Women face a variety of barriers in the field of science. 

  2. What role did the Scientific Method play in Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett's contribution to the Moderna vaccine?

  3. How has  the  Coronavirus created a change in education?

  4. National monuments can be healing and/or divisive. Students will choose a position and use the Scientific Method to support or disprove the selection.

 

  • Students will select a topic from the above list  or one provided by the instructor.

 

  • The student pairs or small groups will use the Scientific Method  to prove or disprove their topic. Students will use the attached Scientific Method Graphic Organizer form to record their information.

 

  • Students will use the YouTube Scientific Method link to review the process prior to submitting their completed assignment.  

 

Assessment:

​

Students will submit their completed assignments for a letter grade or points to be determined by the instructor. 

Extended Lesson:

Students may be requested to complete an experiment on a topic of their interest and present their modifications and findings. 

 

Resources:

​

  • The Scientific Method (Guiding Questions)

  • Graphic Organizer: The Scientific Method

  • Vocabulary Worksheet Links:

 

 

 

​

 

 

SCIENTIFIC METHOD VOCABULARY WORKSHEET

 

DIRECTIONS: Define the Steps as outlined on the Scientific Method Graphic Organizer 

 

 

  • Question

 

 

 

  • Hypothesis 

 

 

 

  • Materials 

 

 

 

  • Procedure

 

 

 

  • Observations 

 

 

 

  • Conclusions 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 SCIENTIFIC METHOD GUIDING QUESTIONS SHEET

 

             

        

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

​

The Scientific Method in color.jpg

SCIENTIFIC METHOD GRAPHIC ORGANIZER

The Scientific Method no color.jpg
bottom of page