From Observations to inferences 1.3

Title:Observations to Inferences

Author: Carla Cota

Week: Oct. 12, 2007

Unit/Lesson Plan #: Chapter 2, lesson 2

Unit theme: Scientific thinking, observing, inferring, and hyptohesizing

Textbook references:

Learning objectives:

.1 Distinguish observations from inferences.

2. Classify questions according to whether or not they lead to scientific discoveries.

3. Suggest investigative questions.

Key Questions, Concepts, or Themes:

Evidence, models, and explanation

Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry

Understandings about scientific inquiry

Nature of science

Stage 1:

            Asking Investigative Questions: Guided Practice, p. 29. Choose one of the activities from Exploration 4, and have each student write a question about it. Record some of their responses on the chalkboard. Then have students read the section titled Asking Investigative Questions. When they have finished reading, have students write new questions or statements that are similar to those in Set 2. Record some of these as well, and encourage students to compare the two lists.

Stage 2:

Integrating the Sciences: Earth and Physical Sciences, ATE p. 29. Over 4000 years ago the Babylonians observed that the sun moved from east to west during the day, but the shadows it cast moved in the opposite direction. They used this information to tell time by making the first shadow clock, or sundial. Have interested students make their own sundial and use it to tell time.

Stage 3:

Cross-Disciplinary Focus: Mathematics, ATE p. 29. Ask: In a survey, 148 out of 200 people chose Bop Pop over the leading brand of soft drink. About what percentage of the people prefer Bop Pop?

            Classifying Statements, p. 30. Have students work in small groups to answer the questions in this section. Compare results.

Homework: (attach/link digital resources):

SourceBook, pp. S14-S15. This reading selection focuses on forming hypotheses and making observations. 

Assessments: (attach/link copies)

__ Group assessment

__ Observation of process/student work

__ Self-assessment by student

__ Teacher generated assignment

__ Written project

__ Test/Quiz

__ Other: ____________________________________