What Do
Scientists Do?
Grades 4 and 5
Concepts of Focus:
Physical Properties
The Nature of Science
5.1.1.1.3
Understanding that different explanations for the same
observations usually lead
to making more observations and trying to resolve the
differences.
MN Math Benchmarks:
5. ll.B.3a
Use composing processes including pre-writing strategies as
brainstorming,
journaling, sketching, listening, outlining, and determining
audience, purpose,
and focus.
5.II.A.1a Write in a variety of modes to express meaning, including: descriptive
6.II.A.1
Write frequently in a variety of forms, including but not limited to the following:
Benchmarks cont.
Explore:
Explain:
Extend:
Evaluate:
5.ll.B.3a
Use composing processes including pre-writing planning
strategies as
brainstorming, journaling, sketching, listening, outlining, and
determining
audience, purpose, and focus.
Speaking and Listening:
5.lll.A.2
Content Objectives:
1.)
Students will develop an understanding of physical
properties.
2.)
Students will identify physical properties of different
mystery objects.
Language Objectives:
1.)
Students will discuss their observations and
understandings of physical properties.
2.)
Students will record their observations in a journal.
Materials:
Academic Language:
Substance
Scientists
Investigate
Physical Property
Definition
MN Science Benchmarks:
Writing:
5.ll.B.3a
Use composing processes including pre-writing
planning strategies as
brainstorming, journaling, sketching, listening, outlining,
and determining audience, purpose, and focus.
5.lll.A.2
Content Objectives:
2.) After being taught what a physical property is, students will
develop an understanding of the physical properties of Oobleck by
using their senses with 95% accuracy.
Language Objectives:
1.) Students will record their observations in their
passports/journal.
Materials:
Academic Language:
Evidence
Investigate/Investigations
Explore
Observations
Data
Laws
Etiquette
Record
them.
Do not fling or shake your hands with Oobleck on them.
Explore the Oobleck using all your senses except taste.
Do not put the Oobleck in the sink, it will clog the drain.
Make sure everyone in your group has a chance to
T: When did the Oobleck act like a solid? (Wait for Responses)
T: (Collect passports) Nice work today, explorers! You are all a
great help to the scientists at the space station in investigating
the mysteries of Oobleck.
T: Please line up at the door quietly with good basics when your
table is called and we will see you scientists tomorrow!
Evaluation/Assessment: the following items will be used to
help assess student learning for the day
Journal entry responding to the physical properties of Oobleck.
Observation of students while exploring Oobleck
Oobleck Module
Day 3: Scientific Convention & Beginning Spacecraft
Design
MN Science Benchmarks:
Writing
4.II.B.5 The student will use verbalization (discussions, interviews,
brainstorming) to prepare for
writing
5.II.A.1a Write in a variety of modes to express meaning,
including: descriptive
6.II.A.1 Write frequently in a variety of forms, including but not
limited to the following:
Content Objectives
Materials:
Anchor Charts
Markers
Science Name Tags
Lab Coats
Oobleck
Talking drawing worksheet
Academic Language:
Physical Property
Evidence
Theory
Scientific Convention
Instructional Plan
Content Objectives:
1.) After investigating with different objects in oobleck, students
will generate ideas for spacecrafts.
2.) Students will identify objects to utilize with their spacecrafts.
3.) Students will create designs of spacecrafts.
Language Objectives:
1.) Students will discuss their observations and understandings.
2.) Students will write their observations in a journal.
3.) Students will share their spacecraft designs.
Materials:
Anchor Charts
Afternoon message
Name tags
Oobleck
Objects/material for experimenting
Colored pencils
Markers
Drawing paper
Passports/journals
Post-assessment
Academic Language:
Physical properties
Scientist
Investigate
Experiment
Observations
Explanations
Evidence
Advantage
Disadvantage
Identify
Engineering
Design