Bridge12

Nature of Science Standard: Make predictions and formulate testable questions; plan and carry out investigations-often over a period of several lessons-as a class, in small groups or independently; perform investigations using appropriate tools and technologies that will extend the senses; use measurement skills and apply appropriate units when collecting data; test predictions with multiple trials; keep accurate records in a notebook during investigations and communicate findings to others using graphs, charts, maps and models through oral and written reports; compare the results of an investigation with the prediction. This activity can be modified for ELL students by allowing those students to be the recorder for the group. This will allow those students to participate, without having the pressure of attempting to measure and use words they may not be comfortable with yet. Allowing these students to be the recorder keeps them involved with the group, while also allowing them to practice the English words for the numbers being recorded. This activity can also be used for younger ages by shortening the activity to throwing the ball five times, rather than ten. The act of throwing the ball make take longer for these students, as well as measuring an angle.

5.4.2 "Investigate the purpose of prototypes and models when designing a solution to a problem and how limitations in cost and design features might affect their construction." This activity can be modified for gifted students by having them make predictions or recommendations about the types of materials that could be added to the boats to improve their design and function. The activity could be modified for younger grades by having them design only two boats and decide which one is better. This would be ideal, because younger students may take more time to build and design their boats.

This has some interesting variations to our pennies in the boat activity. I like the math connection with the bidding slip and making sure they save their boats for later comparisons.

Extensions: Connect Life Science with Art (wintertime craft) and Natural Science Adaptations: ESL & Special Ed students can draw birds that are at the feeder the most.  Gifted students can draw the different beaks: "tweezer beaked", "clothespin beaked"/wide billed birds and explain which kind of beaks are best suited for this kind of feeding.

Not sure how to differentiate this experiment. 

When having students record their observations prepare two rubrics that have different requirements for students. One that challenges students in their writing and another that challenges them to draw and write less about their observations 

Have students find real life machines that use this advancement to function. 

Not much differentiation needed, possibly change what certain students have to record. Add lesson writing for some who struggle and more pictures of what they are viewing. 

Not sure how this gets differentiated, be sure to assign roles to students in groups to maximize their success. 

4.1.2 "Investigate the variety of ways in which heat can be generated and moved from one place to another. Explain the direction the heat moved." This activity can be used with gifted students by allowing them to observe another candle burning in a bowl with no water present. The students can then compare and contrast the differences in the candles and the way in which they burn, and make inferences about why they believe the candles are different. This activity can be used with older age groups in the same way. The older students may be able to light their own candles as they work in groups, while still monitoring their progress.

How cool is this! I definitely want to try it!

K.2.3 "Describe in words and pictures the changes in weather from month to month and season to season."  This activity can be adjusted for ELL students by allowing them to use only pictures for recording their observations. If the students are feeling somewhat comfortable with the new language, they can be paired with English speaking students to work together to spell and sound out words for their notebooks. This activity can be modified for older age groups by having the students make predictions about what is going to happen with the weather conditions. These students can also make predictions about why they think the seasons change.

6.4.2. "Construct a simple device that uses potential or kinetic energy to perform work"

This is a great activity that takes this standard to a whole new level- using the body to make a model of a machine.  Once the students have completed the activity, I would challenge them to think of what we use in our every day life that is made out of machines like the "marshmallow-smashing machine." Sixth grade students will love coming up with silly noises and motions- awesome learning tool/visual for kinesthetic students!

6.4.1 "Understand how to apply potential or kinetic energy to power a simple device"

This activity could be differentiated for gifted students by challenging them to use materials they can find around the classroom other than those provided once they have determined how to successfully build the wheel and axle devices out of the provided materials.

3.4.2 "Define the uses and types of simple machines and utilize simple machines in the solution to a ―real world problem."

Extension: Our water needs to be clean for so many reasons- not just taking a bath! Students could brainstorm in groups reasons why we need clean, filtered water (i.e. cooking, cleaning, etc.)  Extension: Social Studies- What an eye opening experience it could be for students to learn about third world countries and how lucky we are to not have to worry about having clean water to clean, cook, and bathe with.

2.3.1 Observe closely over a period of time and then record in pictures and words the changes in plants and animals throughout their life cycles-including details of their body plan, structure and timing of growth, reproduction and death. Differentiation: Have ELL students keep a picture journal of drawings of their compost 2 times a week.  Observe the changes over time.

5.4.2 Investigate the purpose of prototypes and models when designing a solution to a problem and how limitations in cost and design features might affect their construction. Differentiation: For special needs students to practice their life skills, give them a Wal-Mart or grocery store add and help them look up the price of one roll of aluminum foil.  Then, help them look up the price of a newspaper.  Assist students in deciding which material was more cost effective, and which material worked the best.  Take a vote on which you would use.

Observe, describe and ask questions about how changes in one part of an ecosystem create changes in other parts of the ecosystem 5.3.1

You might also want to add a "life science" tag to this activity to make it easier for your colleagues to find and use.

I just loved this craft activity. It would be the perfect activity to do after you talked about the life cycle of a butterfly. This gives the kids who need more hands on activity the ability to explain what happens to a butterfly. After they make it have the students talk about the cycle in their own words.