Green Space Investigation: from observation to testable questions

- Model the method of study to be used often throughout the year
- Demonstrate the ease in which science can be conducted
- Understand the fact that questions beget questions
- Understand the meaning and application of the terms: hypothesis, theory, empirical evidence, phenomenon, prediction, law

This inquiry activity is embedded in an introductory unit in a 10th grade biology class and will serve to model investigation methodology throughout the coming year. Activity involves two to three 55-minute class periods in length.

Green Space Investigation is utilized in an introductory unit in 10th grade Biology.
Day 1: (Outside) Activity is introduced in the classroom by announcing student investigating teams, stating outside classroom expectations and challenges, and listing what materials to bring outside (pen/pencil, clipboard, notebook, and pvc sample plot). 1) Once outside, student teams will be directed to a focused sampling area using their pvc sample plot and asked to make 10 observations within their sample area. 2) After 10 observations are made, sample plots will remain in place while group gathers to share observations. 3) Student teams are asked to return to sample plot and record 10 more observations in addition to the previous 10. 4) Student teams gather to share additional observations and challenges. 5) Teams use observations to develop 3 investigable questions they might pursue. 6) Teams share a question or two in large group. 7) Teams choose one question to investigate further. 8) Collect appropriate data to help answer question and submit investigable question and data to instructor.
Day 2: (Inside) Investigable questions and data is returned to each student team. 9)Analyze results. 10) Generate conclusions. 11) Generate hypothesis. 12) Prepare presentation of findings. 13) Present findings to class. 14) Each team submits "Student Write-up" and a single paragraph describing the learning done through this activity [file 13192 '']

Notes:
"To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry must be based on gathering observable, empirical and measureable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypothesis." Quote origin from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method.
Day One:(55 minute class period) Observation 1; share; Observation 2; share; Testable Questions; share; Choose Question; Collect Data
1. Working in teams, students make observations of focused phenomena within a selected topic or domain.
2. Students record observations (and may generate questions).
3. Large group discussion and input on observations (and questions).
4. "Turn" student questions (if needed) into investigable questions (or develop investigable questions from student observations).
5. Students (or teacher) select a question or observation to pursue. ("How could you expand that observation? What would you measure or test?)
6. Students design study. (Teacher approves protocol, if needed.)
7. Collect data.
8. Modify procedure and/or question, if needed, as data collection proceeds.
Day Two: (55 minute class period) Analyze Results; Develop Conclusion; Generate Hypothesis; Presentation to Class
9. Analyze results.
10. Verbalize data interpretation or generate conclusion.
11. Generate hypothesis (if possible).
12. Student presentation.

Student Write-up: to be completed for group presentations
1. Describe your observations.
2. What was the question you investigated?
3. How did you collect data to answer your question?
4. Present your data in a table, graph, or drawing.
5. What have you discovered based on your data?
6. What new questions do you have?

Assessment: assessment will consist of both formative and summative components. Formative assessment will happen throughout the activity informally through checking in with small groups and during large group discussions. Summative assessment will take place upon ending the activity and will consist of group presentations of findings and having students submit a two-paragraph reflection of the experience.

Grade 9-12; Strand - History and Nature of Science;

Standards:
- The student will understand the nature of scientific ways of thinking and that scientific knowledge changes and accumulates over time.
o The student will be able to distinguish among hypothesis, theory and law as scientific terms and how they are used to answer a specific question.
o The student will recognize that some scientific ideas are incomplete, and opportunity exists in these areas for new advances.
- The student will design and conduct a scientific investigation
o The student will design and complete a scientific experiment using scientific methods by determining testable question, making a hypothesis, designing a scientific investigation with appropriate controls, analyzing data, making conclusions based on evidence and comparing conclusions to the original hypothesis and prior knowledge.
o The student will distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data.
o The student will identify possible sources of error and their effects on results.