Science Is 1.1

Title: Science and technology

Author: Carla Cota

Week: Sept. 3, 2008

Unit/Lesson Plan: Unit 1, Ch. 1 lesson 1

Unit theme:  Focus on science and its methods. Students will be introduced to science as a search for answers to the many questions raised by our human curiosity. The major fields of science are high lighted, with attention to various careers in each field. Finally, scientific methos are examined and illustrated by actual investigations performed by working scientisit. 

Textbook references:

 pages 3-17

Learning objectives:Explores the nature of science and what it means to be a scientist.

Main Ideas:

1. Viewpoints about science vary from person to person.

2. Science encompasses our knowledge of the physical universe and the ways our knowledge is aquired.

Key Questions, Concepts, or Themes:

 observing, analyzing, predicting

Stage 1:

Pop some popcorn, ask students to observe the shape and size of the corn kernals as they are heated. 

ASK: What causes the kernals to change? (Explain that the inside of the kernal is filled with starch and a samll amount of water. As the kernal is heated, the water changes to a gas and expands. This causes so much pressure inside the kernal that it bursts and the starch tissue is blown outward.)

1. How does this activity demonstrate science and the role of scientist, especially in terms of making observations and inferences?

Stage 2:PPP on Taking reading notes:

Ask a volunteer to read the photo caption and text on page 3, have them practice taking reading notes. Elicit student's responses to the question posed in the first paragragh. 

Stage 3:Prior knowledge and preconceptions: Students respond to the log questions (leave an area to which they will go back where they might explain reasons why their views changes).

Homework: (attach/link digital resources):

Review notes on study skills and note taking in reading and lecture.

Assessments: (attach/link copies)

__ Group assessment

__ Observation of process/student work

__ Self-assessment by student

__ Teacher generated assignment

__ Written project

__ Test/Quiz

__ Other: ____________________________________