Discovery Science

DISCOVERY SCIENCE (SECONDARY)

SELECTIVE UNIT 1 (S01)

(Science Fair) (June 2011)

Unit Statement: In this unit, the student will apply the scientific method of inquiry by developing a hypothesis based on (a) question(s) formed from observations. Following the steps of scientific inquiry, the student will plan and perform an experiment and present the results.

Essential Outcomes:

1. The Student Will make observations leading to the formation of a question.

2. TSW research the question and look for previous findings on this topic.

3. TSW use the question(s) to form a hypothesis.

4. TSW develop an experimental procedure for testing the hypothesis.

5. TSW develop and identify appropriate independent, dependent and controlled variables.

6. TSW follow the experimental procedure and collect data as designed.

7. TSW analyze the data including uncertainties and reach a conclusion as to whether the data supports or does not support the hypothesis.

8. TSW write a lab report using the accepted QSI writing process: (see appendix)

9. TSW present the experiment using a visual medium.

Suggested Materials:

Scientific Method Guidelines (see appendix)

Suggested Resources:

Science Fair Central http :// school . discoveryeducation . com / sciencefaircentral / Coordinating - a - Science - Fair .html,

Teachers timeline http :// mypages . iit . edu /~ smile / timelins .html