eLibrary Elementary Standards-Based Learning Activity
Let’s do a Science Experiment!
Teacher Procedures
APPROPRIATE FOR: Science, Grades 3-5
TIMELINE: Varies
SCIENCE STANDARDS ADDRESSED THROUGH THIS LESSON
McRel Standards | Science, Level II (Grade 3-5)
Understands the nature of scientific inquiry.
1. Plans and conducts simple investigations.
(source: http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Benchmark.asp?SubjectID=2&StandardID=12)
Understands the scientific enterprise.
2. Knows that scientists and engineers often work in teams to accomplish a task.
(source: http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Benchmark.asp?SubjectID=2&StandardID=13)
LEARNING EXPECTATIONS/OBJECTIVES
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Students will use eLibrary Elementary to find a simple science experiment/project to
complete with a partner.
Students will gather necessary materials for the experiment.
Students will conduct the experiment with a partner.
Students will write a scientific process for their experiment.
MATERIALS
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Computer with access to eLibrary Elementary and a printer
Printer paper
Pencil and paper for note taking
Materials will be determined after students decide on an experiment. The materials for
each pair of students will be varied.
ACTIVITY PROCESS: DIRECTIONS TO THE TEACHER
Description of Activity
Working with a partner, students will find a simple science experiment/project on eLibrary
Elementary and print it out. They will plan out their experiment, gather the materials, and conduct
the experiment. Then, they will write what they did using the Scientific Processes.
Background Information/Scenario
Kids are natural scientists. They learn by asking questions. Active, hands-on activities allow for
students to more effectively learn the concepts of most science curricula. Getting children to “do”
science is much more beneficial to their learning then having them just read about it.
Outline of Procedures
The amount of class sessions will vary.
© 2003 ProQuest Information and Learning Company.
Permission is granted to duplicate for classroom use only.
1. Assign students partners.
2. Students will find a simple science experiment or project by doing a search on eLibrary
Elementary and then printing it out. Each pair of students should have a different experiment. To
search in eLibrary Elementary:
 Go to eLibrary Elementary
 Click the Topics tab.
 Click Science.
 Under Projects and Games, click Experiments, Projects or both.
Teachers will want to talk and check with each pair individually to make sure the
experiments/projects are appropriate.
3. Teachers will hand out a framework for Scientific Processes. This is what the students will
follow to write up their experiment. For information on this, go to the following Editor's Choice
Web sites: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/fair/story.htm (scrolling down to the bottom) and
http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/instruct/mcclean/plsc431/science/scimeth1.htm. Create a handout
that’s appropriate for your students.
4. Partners will read through their chosen experiment and begin their experiment by following the
Scientific Processes. They will need to decide who is responsible for what materials to gather and
other strategies to conduct the experiment. Note: Teachers may want to give a few days before
having the students conduct experiment so there is ample time to collect materials.
5. Experiment Time! Students begin their experiments.
6. Students will be finishing at different times. As they finish, they will work on writing their
Scientific Process.
Conclusion/Finished Work
Students prepare a short presentation to the class about their experiment.
ASSESSMENT
Science Activity
 Did the student use eLibrary Elementary to find an experiment/project? Did the students
pick an appropriate one with help from the teacher?
 Did the student plan accordingly for the experiment?
 Did the student effectively conduct the experiment?
 Did student follow the Scientific Process? Did he/she write up the experiment using the
Scientific Process framework?
 Did the student explain why he/she thought things happened the way they did?
 Was the student an equal participant in the experiment?
OPTIONAL EXTENDED ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
1. Students could complete a PowerPoint presentation describing the results of the experiment.
2. Mix it up a bit – do the experiments again, but this time have students trade experiments.
Compare results and conclusions and talk about similarities or differences.
© 2003 ProQuest Information and Learning Company.
Permission is granted to duplicate for classroom use only.
Let’s do a Science Experiment!
A Science Lesson
DURING THIS ACTIVITY YOU WILL...
 Conduct a science experiment.
 Use eLibrary Elementary to find a science experiment/project to do with a
partner.
 Gather necessary materials for your experiment.
 Conduct the experiment with a partner using the framework of the
Scientific Process.
 Write a Scientific Process for your experiment.
OUTLINE OF PROCEDURES
1. Your teacher will decide on the partners for this activity.
2. You will find a simple science experiment or project by doing a search on
eLibrary Elementary and then printing it out. Make sure you pick one that nobody
else is doing. To search in eLibrary Elementary:
 Go to eLibrary Elementary.
 Click the Topics tab at the top of the page.
 Click Science.
 Under Projects and Games, click Experiments or Projects, or both.
Talk with your teacher and have her/him approve your choice of experiment.
3. Your teacher will hand out a framework for Scientific Processes. This is what
you will follow to write up and complete your experiment.
4. You and your partner will read through the chosen experiment and begin the
experiment by following the Scientific Process. You will need to decide who is
responsible for what materials to gather and other strategies to conduct the
experiment.
Note: There will be a few days time before you start so you have time to collect
your materials.
5. Experiment time! Begin the experiments.
6. Everybody will be finishing at different times. As you finish, work on writing the
Scientific Process.
© 2003 ProQuest Information and Learning Company.
Permission is granted to duplicate for classroom use only.
7. Get together with your partner again and put together a presentation of your
experiment to share with the class.
ASSESSMENT
You will be assessed based on the following:
 Did you use eLibrary Elementary to find the experiment/project?
 Did you plan accordingly for the experiment?
 Did you conduct the experiment effectively?
 Did you follow the Scientific Process? Did you write up the experiment
using the Scientific Process framework?
 Did you explain why you thought things happened the way they did?
 Were you an equal participant in the experiment?
© 2003 ProQuest Information and Learning Company.
Permission is granted to duplicate for classroom use only.