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

Scientific Process

• A scientific 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. Scientists use 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.

• A written plan must be followed in the correct sequence to make sure it is done the same way each time. (Replication of results.)

• An investigation should be done more than once to make sure data is accurate. Many tools are available to help gather data. Data is only as reliable as the people conducting the experiment.

• Errors can be determined by comparing data with another student or by repeating the investigation.

Technology

• Technology makes it easier to find and communicate information.

• Many different careers involve science or technology.

• Data can be visually represented with labeled diagrams, charts, tables, or graphs. Data can be graphically represented through bar graphs, line graphs, pictographs, or pie charts. Graphs are pictures of numbers.

• Visual or graphic data can be analyzed to predict further change.

• Models make it possible to represent events or objects that cannot be duplicated.

Safety

• There are many safety rules to follow when doing an investigation to keep yourself and others safe.

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

Scientific Process

• 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?

• How can we make sure an investigation is done the same way each time? 

Technology

• How can you utilize technology to gain knowledge and, communicate information?

• What careers use science and technology?

• How can data accuracy be determined? How is data gained and how are experiments replicated accurately?

• How can errors in data be discovered? How can data be visually represented?

• What is the best type of graph for specific data? How does data help make better predictions?

• How can models help complete a scientific investigation?

Safety

• What are safe laboratory techniques?

• What tools are needed to gather the data required, and how are they appropriately used?

Standards 
Highest Frequency Standards High Frequency Standards Other Standards & E-skills

 
Standard 1: Students understand the processes of scientific investigations and design, conduct, communicate about, and evaluate such investigation.
Standard 2: Physical Science: Students know and understand common properties, forms, and changes in matter and energy.  Students know that matter has characteristic properties which are related to its composition and structure. Students understand that energy appears in different forms and can move (be transferred) and change (be transformed). Students understand that interactions can produce changes in a system, although the total quantities of matter and energy remain unchanged.
Standard 5: Students know and understand interrelationships among science, technology, and human activity and how they affect the world.
Standard 6: Students understand that science involves a particular way of knowing and they understand common connections among scientific disciplines.

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

• Changes Lessons