Science:
From Earth to Outer Space
Enduring Understanding
Science basics such as safety,
measurement, and the scientific
method can be presented in
relevant and meaningful ways
to students.
Module Overview
Come along with the astronauts of
the space shuttle SLS-2, Columbia,
and develop enduring
understanding, essential
questions, assessments, and
teaching strategies when teaching
lab safety, measurement, and the
scientific method in secondary
science classrooms.
Module Focus
This module focuses on 3 key topics
in any secondary science classroom:
• Lab safety
• Measurement
• Scientific Method
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Instructional Strategies
Use several instructional strategies
• Research
• Discussion
• Brainstorming
• Presentation
• Experimentation
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CFB
Essential Questions
 What safety rules
should be followed
in the science lab?
 What is the
difference between
mass and weight?
Essential Questions:
 How can mass and
weight be measured?
 Why mass and weight
must be measured
differently?
CFB
CFB
Essential Questions
 What are some creative ways
to present and assess the
understanding of safety rules,
measurement, and the
scientific method to students?
 What is the purpose of the scientific method
and what happens when it is not followed?
Brainstorm
 What lab rules do
students need to know?
Pause video
and discuss.
 What are some creative
ways to assess their
understanding?
Restart video.
Suggested Presentation
and Assessment
What happens when one
does not follow lab safety rules?
 Select a safety rule and create a
vivid poster using Word.
 Poster requirements listed in
supporting materials.
Pause video
and discuss.
Read and discuss Safety in the Laboratory.
Measurement
 What is the difference between mass
and weight?
 How can each one be measured?
Pause video
and discuss.
Discuss
How will you
assess student
understanding of
these concepts?
CFB
Pause video
and discuss.
Assessment:
Research
 Is your mass and weight
the same on all of the
planets in our solar
system?
 What is your mass and
weight on each of the
planets in our solar
system?
Explore Weight on other Planets.
Present
My Weight on
Earth vs. Mars
Presentation Ideas
 Create a presentation
displaying the results
of your research.
 Create a graph
comparing results.
 Create a poster
presenting the results
of your research.
Brainstorm
 What is the purpose of
the scientific method?
 What happens when it
is not followed?
Pause video
and discuss.
Watch a movie about Scientific Method.
Brainstorm
 What are some creative
ways this topic can be
presented to students?
 What are some creative
ways to assess student
understanding of this
topic?
Pause video
and discuss.
Explore more about the scientific method in Supporting Material.
Variable vs. Control
What is a variable?
See Featured Links for more on the concept of variables.
Variable vs. Control
What is control and its relationship to the
variable?
See Featured Links for more on the concept of variables.
Observe
What is the
significance of the
variable and control in
the scientific method?
Pause video
and discuss.
Scientific Method
The scientific method helps us
systematically state, organize, and
solve problems in an unbiased manner.
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Steps of the
Scientific Method
1. State the problem
Steps of the
Scientific Method
1. State the problem
2. Form a hypothesis
Steps of the
Scientific Method
1. State the problem
2. Form a hypothesis
3. Conduct experiment
Steps of the
Scientific Method
1.
2.
3.
4.
State the problem
Form a hypothesis
Conduct experiment
Collect Data
Steps of the
Scientific Method
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
State the problem
Form a hypothesis
Conduct experiment
Collect Data
Draw Conclusions
Suggested Assessment
 Use all steps of the
scientific method to
write up a formal lab
report using a word
processor.
 Perform the lab and
present their findings
to the class.
See examples of sample lab write-up requirements.
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CFB
Rules
What rules should be followed in the
science lab?
CFB
Learn more about Lab Safety Rules and the
expectations of behavior in a laboratory setting.
Safety Equipment
Safety equipment is
designed to ensure
the well being of
everyone in the lab.
Specialized Equipment
CFB
 Each piece of laboratory
equipment has a specific
function and purpose
besides helping to keep
you safe.
 What specialized
equipment is in use in
your lab?
Labeling
 Labeling samples
collected in an
experiment is part of
lab safety.
 Labeling all samples
collected in an
experiment also helps
researchers ensure
accurate data.
Learn more about lab safety for science classroom.
Mass and Weight
What is the difference between mass and weight?
 Mass is the amount of matter in an object
and it is constant throughout the
universe.
 Weight is the measure of the force due to
gravity and is different according to the
gravity asserted on it.
Mass and Weight
How can each be measured?
 Mass is measured
using a balance
 Weight is measured
using a spring scale.
Measurement in
Microgravity
Microgravity requires
specialized methods
and equipment for
measurement and other
scientific experiments.
Pause video
and discuss.
Explore How Microgravity Works.
Summary
During this module, you
identified some creative
ways to present and
assess the
understanding of safety
rules, measurement, and
the scientific method to
students.
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Summary
You used several instructional strategies:
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




Brainstorming
Research
Discussion
Presentation
Experimentation
Summary
You used authentic assessment in the:
 Presentation of
research.
 Presentation of
experimental data.
 Implementation of
the scientific
method.
CFB