Enduring Understandings - important ideas that students should carry with them years beyond the instruction received this year.

• A common vocabulary is needed to communicate about the scientific procedure.
• A hypothesis is a testable prediction as to the outcome of a scientific investigation.
• A well designed investigation involves the use of a written plan that identifies the materials to be used, the procedure to follow, and the variables. A plan needs to be followed to make sure all steps in an investigation are completed.
• A scientist uses many tools when conducting an investigation.
• Complete data makes it possible to explain the results of an investigation and compare it with the prediction.
• When data is analyzed, the results can be communicated in a variety of ways.

Essential Questions - most important “big picture” questions students should be able to answer after completing learning activities.

• What common vocabulary should be used when conducting an investigation?
• Why are predictions an important part of the scientific process? How can we make better predictions?
• Why should we follow a plan when conducting an investigation? What tools are available to gather data when conducting an investigation? How does data help us explain our investigation? What are some of the ways we can collect data?  How can we communicate the results of our investigation to others?

Standards

Highest Frequency Standards High Frequency Standards Other Standards & E-skills
Standard 1: Students understand the process of scientific investigation and design, conduct, communicate about, and evaluate such investigations. (1.a., 1.b., 1.c., 1.d.)
Standard 2: Physical Science: Students know and understand common properties, forms, and changes in matter and energy. (2.3.a., 2.3.b., 2.3.c.)
Standard 3: Life Science: Students know and understand the characteristics and structure of living things, the process of life, and how living things interact with each other and their environment. (3.1.a., 3.1.c., 3.1.d., 3.2.a., 3.3.c., 3.4.a., 3.4.b., 3.4.c.)
Standard 6: Students understand that science involves a particular way of knowing and understand common connections among scientific disciplines. (6.a., 6.b., 6.e.)

District 11 Diamond Units/Lessons Overview - includes information about the purpose, goals and structure of these sample instructional units:

• Measurement Lessons
• Science Leveled Readers with Audio - Use any of the aligned books below or check the entire Library of Science Leveled Readers.