Scientific Method and Variables
Initial Publication Date: August 18, 2009
Summary
Students will construct a tower in a designated time period making detailed notes and/or sketches. Students will then use their notes/sketches to re-construct the same tower after changing one variable. Once construction is complete, students will reflect upon how the variable changed the outcome of their tower.
CollapseLearning Goals
model development, critical thinking, observational skills, controls, variables, reproducibility, reflection
Context for Use
This lab is used for our general chemistry students who are typically on an IEP of some sort. It is lab based and can be completed in 2-3 class periods. As it involves the scientific method and data collection/analysis, it is completed at the beginning of the course.
Description and Teaching Materials
The scientific method involves a number steps that people follow each time a problem is solved. These steps typically involve a purpose or reason for investigating something, a hypothesis about how it will respond when something is changed, a list of materials that will be needed, a procedure for the experiment, a data section which will include experimental results, and finally a conclusion which determines whether the hypothesis in your experiment is supported or not supported.
Do this lab without giving students any prior instruction on the scientific method. It's only after the whole class has finished with the lab that you introduce the steps and details of the scientific method. Tower Building (Microsoft Word 34kB Aug7 09)
Do this lab without giving students any prior instruction on the scientific method. It's only after the whole class has finished with the lab that you introduce the steps and details of the scientific method. Tower Building (Microsoft Word 34kB Aug7 09)
Teaching Notes and Tips
Please see attachment.
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Assessment
Assessment will be done through group discussion, lab reports, and conclusion questions.
Standards
4.1.2.1.1, 4.1.2.2.2, 4.1.2.2.3