Standard SC2.1a, g, i, j, k
The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and conducting investigations in which:
a) observations and predictions are made and questions are formed
g) conditions that influence a change are identified and inferences are made; h) data are collected and recorded, and bar graphs are constructed using numbered axes
i) data are analyzed, and unexpected or unusual quantitative data are recognized
j) conclusions are drawn
k) observations and data are communicated
Essential Knowledge/Skills
The student will
– conduct simple experiments, make predictions, gather data from those experiments, repeat observations to improve accuracy, and draw conclusions
– differentiate among simple observations and personal interpretations
– identify conditions that influence a change in an experiment
– construct and interpret simple models
– communicate observations and data
Read Aloud Books:
- How to Think Like a Scientist: Answering Questions About the Scientific Method by Stephen Kramer
- What Is a Scientist? by Barbara Lehn
- S is for Scientists: A Discovery Alphabet by Larry Verstraete
Five Senses Posters
This is an awesome visual project for reviewing how we use our five senses during the scientific method. This activity is modeled after the lesson posted at Pencils, Glue, and Tying Shoes.
Amazing Science – The 5 Senses
Experiment:
– Students will rotate to 5 different stations to explore each sense. All materials will be unlabeled and/or in darkened paper bags so that students can focus on one sense at a time.
TASTE
salt and sugar
SMELL
apple and potato slices (cut to the same size)
HEARING
jars with marbles, pennies, and rice
x
TOUCH
writing paper or paper towels, sandpaper
SIGHT
This was the experiment I did last year:
- This experiment tests depth perception. Place a paper cup about two feet in front of an assistant across from you. Ask your assistant to close one eye. Wave a penny about eighteen inches high above the cup and ask the assistant to say “drop” when he believes the penny will drop right into the cup. Try it a few times with one eye closed and then both eyes closed and you will discover that two eyes provide better depth perception.
This year, I tried something different. I allowed each student to take a seeing eye test from the Promethean board. It was equally as fun – they used their sense of sight and enjoyed trying to read the tiny printed letters at the bottom of the chart.
Activity:
Students will create a body model and label their body models with the 5 senses.
Discussion:
– How can the 5 senses help a scientist?
– When will a scientist use his/her 5 senses?
– What happens when a person is missing one of his/her 5 senses?
Swirling Colors Experiment
Purpose: Students will explore the effect of temperature on the dissolving rate of food coloring.
Materials:
– cups
– cold water (melted ice)
– hot water
– water heater
– food coloring
– timers
At the conclusion of the experiment, watch the video below:
Moving Water Molecules
Discussion:
– What was different in how the food coloring dissolved (mixed) in the hot water and the cold water?
– What temperature of water is fastest at dissolving?- What senses did you use to do this experiment?
– How did the experiment help you or give you information you didn’t know before?
Penny Drops Experiment
Purpose: Students will explore the surface tension of water.
Materials:
– cup of water
– penny
– eye droppers
– paper towels
At the conclusion of the experiment, watch the videos below:
36 Drops of Water on a Penny
Drops on a Penny – Sick Science #152
Discussion:
– Which of the five senses was most important in this experiment?
– How do people and animals use surface tension? (floating)
– How did the experiment help you or give you information you didn’t know before?
Diet Coke and Mentos Experiment
Purpose: Students will create a chemical reaction.
Materials:
– 2-liter Diet Coke
– 5 to 10 Mentos
– Steven Spangler Geyser Tube
Diet Coke and Mentos Experiment Journal
Original Mentos Diet Coke Geyser (Spangler Science TV)
Discussion:
– Check your hypothesis. Was it right or wrong?
– What did you observe?
– How could we test our hypotheses even further? (use different sodas, liquids, or candies)
– How did the experiment help you or give you information you didn’t know before?
Just for fun:
Mentos and Diet Coke Explosion in Slow Motion
Extreme Diet Coke and Mentos Experiments
LESSON PLANS 