Unit 1: Introduction to Inquiry: Observation,
Measurements, and Experimental Design
Time Frame: August 10 through September 11
Science > Physical Science > Unit 1
Unit Description
Utilizing inquiry process skills, this unit will focus on making
accurate, objective observations in addition to asking and
developing testable questions as the foundation to scientific
inquiry. Emphasis will also be placed on using the metric
system to collect scientific data, along with organizing and
reporting data and communicating results and conclusions.
Enduring Understandings
 Science is an evolving body of knowledge and a
process of understanding the world around us.
 Scientific theories combine measurable data with
human inferences.
 Knowledge gained through scientific inquiry is tentative
and open to revision.
 Similar experiments can yield different results. The
scientific challenge is to judge if the difference is
significant.
 The configuration of atoms in a molecule determines
the molecule’s properties
Essential Questions
 What makes science, science, and not just a strong
belief or plausible hunch?
 How reliable is a scientific theory?
 Why is science always changing?
 Why are some test results significant and others are
not?
 What are the relationships among mass, volume, and
density?
Student Understandings
Students will gain skill in metric conversion, utilize inquiry
process skills to design their own experiment, and determine
density as one of many identifying properties of matter. They
will also develop skills in the use of proper laboratory
procedures with a strong emphasis on safety. Their knowledge
of the metric system will be demonstrated through collection
and analysis of scientific data.
GLEs: SI-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 15; PS-1, 2
Guiding Questions
1. Can students display proper laboratory safety procedures?
2. Can students make quality observations and ask testable
questions?
3. Can students utilize accurate metric measurements in
solving problems?
4. Can students demonstrate techniques used when solving
problems?
5. Can students organize quantitative data into tables and
graphs?
6. Can students correctly utilize inquiry processes in
investigations?
7. Can students describe how to determine density of a
substance?
Assessments:
Metric Quiz, Metric Math Test, Measurement Lab, Density
Math Test, Density Lab