Group items tagged

Standards: 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.NS.5

Expansion: Have student make predictions of what will occur to the crystals before they begin the experiment.  Have them record the results of each different type of voice.   

ESL: Doing this experiment in pairs with classmates will help reinforce English science vocabulary 

Standard: 4.NS.2- Observe, investigate and give examples of ways that the shape of land changes over time.(4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3) Describe how the supply of natural resources is limited and investigate ways that humans protect and harm the environment. (4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6)

Extension: Students could build more elaborate models with rocks, mud, dirt, soil, and other natural objects. Students could build larger models that set over time and could be used to mimic larger mining operations.

Adaptations: Students could write reports on the effects of coal mining and other human practices on the earth and our resources. Students could give presentations on other harmful practices that humans participate in, explaining why, despite the negative effects, we still make these decisions.

This lesson could be extended in all sorts of directions, depending on what stage the children are in their learning.  For example, you could tie the lesson into other sorts of measurement and have students estimate how much the mitten can stretch. This lesson can be adapted for more accelerated students by allowing them to experiment with different mittens and gloves to see which is the most efficient at holding heat. 2.NS.3=Generate questions and make observations about natural processes. 2.NS.5=Discuss observations with peers and be able to support your conclusion with evidence.

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.

Students could also extend the activity to see how different types of gloves and mittens hold heat, thereby deciding which is the most efficient.

2.4.3 Identify a need and design a simple tool to meet that need.

This activity should be introduced with a discussion about the properties of light.  The teacher could talk about why rainbows are all different colors or use a prism to show how light can be broken into all different colors.  A short video on the topic might work well for this topic as well, if you can find a good one.  By the end of the initial introduction, students should understand that all different colors of light, when combined, create white light.  Then students will be introduced to the experiment, write their predictions in their science notebooks, conduct the experiment, and record their findings. 4.NS.4 Perform investigations using appropriate tools and technologies that will extend the senses. 5.NS.7 Keep accurate records in a notebook during investigations and communicate findings to others using graphs, charts, maps and models through oral and written reports. Like most experiments, student capabilities should be taken into consideration. If they cannot handle conducting this experiment on their own or with a small group, they can observe another student's or the teacher's experiment.

An extension for this activity would be to have students who seem to be enjoying it but are moving ahead of the group try the growing experiment with different plants.  These students could then compare the lima bean growth to that of other plants. Students who are struggling, or maybe who have had a plant die could work together in groups and share plants to observe and experiment with. 4.NS.7 Keep accurate records in a notebook during investigations and communicate findings to others using graphs, charts, maps and models through oral and written reports. 4.3.4 Describe a way that a given plant or animal might adapt to a change arising from a human or non-human impact on its environment.

CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.3d Compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

This activity would be beneficial for ELL students because they could discuss with classmates why the two different parts (represented by the cards) makes one whole. It would give ELL students opportunity to construct own meaning for concepts represented. It could be extended by adding unline denominators, which would require students to simplify or factor to find the answer.

This activity should be done as an experiment in class.  This means that students should make a prediction about how the match will heat the air and affect the egg.  Students will write down their predictions in their science notebooks.  They should also draw pictures and make notes about what is happening in their science notebooks.  All students will be expected to participate in this activity and take notes, make predictions, draw pictures, and describe whether or not their predictions were correct.  Adaptations could be made for students with special needs by allowing them to express themselves more with pictures than words, and giving them additional time to complete their work. 5.NS.1 Make predictions and formulate testable questions 5.NS.7 Keep accurate records in a notebook during investigations and communicate findings to others using graphs, charts, maps, and models through oral and written reports.

Standards: 2.DP.2 - Day to day and over the seasons, observe, measure, record and recognize patterns and ask questions about features of weather. (2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.2.4, 2.2.5, 2.2.6) Investigate how the position of the sun and moon and the shape of the moon change in observable patterns. (2.2.7, 2.2.8, 2.2.9)

Extension: Students could use this activity as a stepping stone to study the phases of the moon in greater depth. The next step could be to model the changes of the moon as it rotates the earth by using a flashlight as the sun.

Adaptation: This is a great physical representation to descripe words that may have no meaning to ELL students. Students are more likely to remember the phases because there is food involved and it was studied in a casual setting.

Standard 6.NS.1 - Understand that the properties and behavior of matter can be explained by a model that depicts particles representing atoms or molecules in motion. Extension: Once students understand properties of different liquids, they can think how to manipulate those liquids and their properties. One example would be to heat up one liquid to several different temperatures and see how they interact. Adaptation: Teacher could split students into groups of 3-4 and have them stack liquids on their own. Students could bring in several liquids from home (all approved) and try stacking them based on the observed properties.

4.DS.4 - Design a moving system and measure its motion. 4.DS.4.1- Investigate transportation systems and devices that operate on or in land, water, air and space and recognize the forces (lift, drag, friction, thrust and gravity) that affect their motion.

Adaptation - Lesson could be shortened by discussing the principles of flight, reviewing possible designs, then have students design 1 paper airplane based on what they think will work best.

Extension: Students could be given a second chance to construct a paper airplane, providing a written explanation and model drawing for what they did differently.

Adaptations: Activities could be completed alone and not as part of 5 day unit if time did not permit. Experiments could be completed in small groups or modeled explicitly by the teacher.

Use of graphs and graphic organizers could be varied depending on ability of students.

Extension: This is a science project heavy on language arts (writing). Allowing ELL students to draw more pictures may make this project more memorable for these students.

Once students have determined what soil is good for plants, students could test different plant seeds. Compare and contrast what soil works best for different plants.

Standard: 1.NS.2 - Observe, describe and ask questions about soil components and properties.

Standard - 4.NS.2 - Observe, investigate and give examples of ways that the shape of land changes over time.(4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3)

Extension: Students could experiement with different laying techniques of the soil, rock, clay, etc. to see if erosion occurs differently based on the order of earth's layers. This experiment could be completed in small groups, all studying different arrangements of the earthen materials. Students could present their findings to the class or in the form of a report.