Name ____________________________________
Due:
Period: 1 2 4 5 6
Mini-Project:
3 Branches of Science
Visual/Tactile Part
Search around your home -- indoors and outdoors -- to find 12 different objects
representing the three main branches of science. These items must include the
following:
♦ 4 natural (not manmade) objects representing life science, the study of living
things (no live animals, molds, wet material, or rotting garbage, please!)
Life science deals with living things and their parts and actions. Smaller branches
of life science include zoology (the study of animals) and botany (the study of
plants.)
♦ 4 objects representing earth science, the study of our planet (including space).
Earth science is the study of the Earth and its rocks, oceans, volcanoes,
earthquakes, atmosphere, and other features. Usually earth science also includes
astronomy. Astronomers explore nature beyond the Earth. They study such
objects as stars, planets, and moons.
♦ 4 objects representing physical science, the study of matter, energy, forces,
motion, etc. Some physical scientists explore what substances are made of and
how they change and combine. This branch of physical science is called
chemistry. Other physical scientists study forms of energy such as heat and light.
This is the science of physics.
All 12 objects must be small enough to fit easily inside a sealed
plastic sandwich bag or quart-sized bag. (Multiple bags not allowed!)
-2Written Part
♦ Write two or more good sentences for each chosen object. One sentence will
describe what the object looks like and the other why or how the object fits into
the particular branch of science.
(Correct spelling and punctuation is expected at this time. Points will be deducted for spelling errors and poor
punctuation. Use a dictionary when in doubt.)
Here are some examples submitted by fifth-graders:
Physical Science:
The battery is one and an half inch long. It is black, silver, and blue. One end
has a knob on it. The battery is a cylinder in shape, very smooth and hard. It
belongs in Physical Science because it stores energy and is able to send the
energy into another object to make it work.
Life Science:
The shark tooth is black. The top of it is rough, then it gets smoother and
smoother. If you look closely, you can see the sides of the tooth are white. It is
in the Life Science category because it represents a kind of animal.
Earth/Space Science:
Volcanic rock. It is whitish grey and looks like cement. When you pick it up, it
is lighter that other rocks its size. It can even float on water. If you feel it, it is
rough like sandpaper. This piece of rock came from Mt. St. Helens. It fits into
Earth Science because it is a rock and was part of the Earth.
♦ Group written work by categories.
♦ Make a cover for your booklet. Use your creative abilities in designing a fun cover.
Be sure to include name and date on the cover.
♦ Complete the summary evaluation page and include at the back of the booklet.
♦ Make sure that all final work is done neatly and with care!
♦ Be sure to put both your name on the bag and the written work, too.