Scientific Method

Setting Expectations for Science and Engineering Projects

Grades:
2-5
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

Begin this session by setting some ground rules for science discourse. Explain to students that as we work on this unit, and science in general throughout the year, they will be asked to share their thinking about science concepts.

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Learning Goal(s):
Establishing guidelines for the unit; students will also have a better understanding of the scientific method.
Author:
Mike Hellis
Estimated Activity Length:
30 min
Energy Transformations

Probes of Prior Knowledge

Grades:
2-5
Lesson Number:
2
Description:

Teacher will administer worksheet probes (formative assessments) of students’ prior knowledge about “making electricity” and “things that run on electricity.”

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Learning Goal(s):
Students will be able to identify the different ways that electrical energy (electricity) is transformed (generated) and identify different everyday items that use electricity.
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
Author:
Mike Hellis
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Solar Calculator

Solar Powered Calculator

Grades:
2-5
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

The teacher will show an example of a solar powered device using a solar powered calculator.

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Learning Goal(s):
Students will be able to explain that some devices use light energy and transform into electrical energy, which powers different devices such as lights.
Author:
Mike Hellis
Relevant NGSS PE:
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Solar Circuit

A Simple Circuit

Grades:
2-5
Lesson Number:
4
Description:

Students make a hypothesis about how a set of materials should be connected in order to make a motor spin. Through guided trial and error students are led to the idea of a circuit as the proper way to connect the materials in order to make the fan turn....

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Learning Goal(s):
Students will be able to draw a simple circuit, label its parts, and show the direction/path that current is flowing.
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
Author:
Mike Hellis
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
Kidwind Small Water Pump

Making Observations and Recording Data for Solar Powered Water Pumping

Grades:
2-5
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

Students use a solar module and water pump to test how quickly one cup of water can be pumped.

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Kidwind Small Water Pump

Solar Powered Water Pumping

Grades:
2-5
Lesson Number:
6
Description:

Students use a solar module and other materials in conjunction with a water pump to test how quickly one cup of water can be pumped.

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Kidwind Small Water Pump

Designing a Faster Water Pump

Grades:
2-5
Lesson Number:
7
Description:

Students use all their prior knowledge to design and construct a water pump that can pump 1 cup of water the fastest.

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Learning Goal(s):
Students will be able to use available tools to design and test a solar water pump, refine their design, test and finally evaluate their efforts. Through this process students will understand and gain experience with the engineering design process.
Author:
Mike Hellis
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour