Unit/Lesson Plan Title: Exploring the Scientific Method
Primary Subject
Integrated Subjects
Grade Level(s)
Length of Unit
Research Sources
Scientific Method and Lab Safety
Math, Social Studies/Current Events, Writing
7th and 8th
1 week (5 days)
Video Clip, Newspaper article, RSS Lab Safety Contract, Engineering
Design Process (Scientific Method)
Unit Summary
This unit encompasses Scientific Method, Measurement and Lab Safety
as the building blocks of Science.
Scientific Method, problem/question, hypothesis, test
hypothesis, observation , quantitative, qualitative,
conclusion, data/results, variables, constant, control,
experiment, dependent/ independent variables, inference,
data collection, prior knowledge, measurement, mass,
grams, volume, liters, scale, triple beam balance, graduated
cylinder, metric system, density, safety, manipulate,
Engineer, technology, prototype, classify, theory, law,
sequence, Scientific Method, problem/question,
hypothesis, test hypothesis, observation , quantitative,
qualitative, conclusion, data/results, variables, constant,
control, experiment, dependent/ independent variables,
inference, data collection, prior knowledge
Key Vocabulary
NC Essential Standards For
Science
7.L.1- Embedded Foundational Concepts
8.P.1- Nature of Science and Foundational Concepts
Commor Core Standards for
Mathematics
Common Core Standards for
ELA & Literacy
7SP5- 7SP8
Literacy Standard R.7.6L and R.7.7
Essential Questions
How is science important to mans future?
What is important about understanding science if you are
not a scientist?
Why/how is it important for scientists to conduct
experiments?
How can we use the Scientific Method to find answers to
problems
Why is the scientific method necessary to use?
Why are International Standards of Measurement
necessary?
What is a “fair test?”
How do Science and technology help us live more
productive lives?
How can models help us to predict the nature of objects
and systems that we cannot see?
Why is collecting and organizing information/data
important?
Materials & Resources
RSS Lab Safety Contract, Lab Safety Rap with Lyrics, Science
Notebook, Research Resources, graph paper, rulers, graduated cyliner,
triple beam balance, beakers, Measurement Equipment Walk Sheet,
flask, scale, What’s Down the Well PBL sheet and supplies, Scientific
Method Song, Lab Coat Cutout, guided notes, Simpson/Spongebob
scenarios, Lab Safety/Measurement/Scientific Method Quiz
Basic Lab Safety, proper equipment handling
Safety Requirements
Activities/Procedures
• Essential Question
• Explore/Engage
• Explain
• Elaborate (Inquiry)
• Evaluate
Day One: Warm-Up: Freewrite: What do you already know about lab safety and why is
lab safety important?
Lab Safety Rap Video with worksheet
-Have students complete safety worksheet while listening to rap
-Discuss important lab safety issues and location of safety equipment
RSS Lab Safety Contract
-Discuss and sign
Exit Slip: Give five examples of proper lab safety.
Day Two: Warm:Up: Name three pieces of equipment that we use to measure in
Science.
Why is it important to have consistent measurement across the world?
Measurement Equipment Gallery Walk- Have all the different equipment around the
room, students will give their name for it and explain why they would name it that, then
come back as a group and discuss the actual names. Then give students the
opportunity to work together to come up with a way to remember the actual name.
Exit Slip: Why do we need measurement to be equal across the world?
Day Three: Warm-Up: How can we use the Scientific Method to find answers to
problems?
In groups, use the Storyboard Graphic Organizer to brainstorm and activate prior
knowledge about the Scientific Method.
Come back together as a class to come up with steps of the Scientific Method.
Scientific Method Song
Lab Coat activity with Scientific Method. Students will cut out the lab cut-out template
and write the Scientific Method on the inside of the lab coat and then put into Science
Notebook. Personalize lab coats.
How to chart results.
For early finishers, have Scientific Method Articles
Exit Slip: How does your conclusion sometimes lead into new questions?
Day Four: Warm-Up: Give one detailed example of using the Scientific Method in
everyday life.
Introduce PBL with video of live footage about “Baby Jessica.”
Have printout of article for students to read.
Have students create tri-fold, similar to a k-w-l, but with “facts, questions, and
solutions.”
Students begin filing out the facts section of the trifold, as well the questions. They
begin to brainstorm possible solutions.
After brainstorming, students begin working on the lab and working on possible
solutions.
At the end of class, facilitate a student-lead discussion on successes/failures and
room for improvement.
Show video of how rescuerers actually got her out of the well.
Exit Slip: Lab report
Day Five: Warm-up: Why is important to plan before acting, especially in real-world
situations?
Reference PBL while discussing vocabulary: independent/dependent variable,
constant, control, quantitative, qualitative measurement, experimental group
Simpson and Spongebob Scenarios- Number of scenarios dependant upon
understanding.
Assessment: Short Quiz on Lab Safety, measurement and Scientific Method
Accommodations for
Differentiated Instruction
Scientific Method Articles to further explore, base number of scenarios
on comprehension, Guided notes for steps of Scientific Method,
heterozygous grouping,
Cross Curricular
Integration
Math, Social Studies/Current Events, ELA, Art, Music
Created by
Email
wrightsw@rss.k12.nc.us, hunterdm@rss.k12.nc.us,
myersjl@rss.k12.nc.us
Supporting Documents
Teacher Notes, Flipcharts, Labs, Data Sheets, Rubrics, http://
www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20193651,00.htmletc.