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Teaching the Scientific Method: Instructional Strategies to Boost Student Understanding »

Authors: Millie Blanford
ISBN-13: 9780865306356, ISBN-10: 0865306354
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Incentive Publications, Incorporated
Date Published: October 2004
Edition: (Non-applicable)

Author Biography: Millie Blanford

Book Synopsis

Brimming with ideas that engage students in active learning, Teaching the Scientific Method is focused on building students' foundation in the principles of scientific inquiry. The lessons in this book will enable students to solve problems using the scientific method, conduct research, use scientific equipment appropriately, construct and explain tables, graphs, and reports, and develop experiments independently. From creative demonstrations to capture students' attention to a sample experiment and science fair project guidelines, this complete and easily adaptable resource will be a valued addition to the classroom.

	Introduction	7
	Demonstrations, Directions, and the Steps of the Method
	Opening Demonstrations
	Can Crush	10
	Balloon in a Jar	11
	Hole in the Water Bottle	12
	Hammer and Ruler	13
	Tissue and Cup	14
	Cup Won't Burn	15
	Directions: Building a Good Foundation	16
	Following Directions	17
	Giving Directions to Others	18
	Blindfold Directions	19
	Writing the Problem	20
	Examples of Testable Problems	21
	Conducting Research	22
	Test, Research, Demonstration, or Model?	23
	Quiz: Test, Research, Demonstration, or Model?	24
	Developing a Hypothesis	25
	Practice Writing a Hypothesis	26
	Prediction Box	27
	Dissolving Peanuts	28
	Writing the Materials List	29
	Writing the Procedure	30
	Making a Peanut Butter Sandwich	31
	Paper Clip Design	32
	Collecting Data: Observation Skills	33
	Change is in the Air	34
	Peanut Identification	35
	Data Measurement and Equipment Use	36
	Measuring Length in Metrics	37
	Metric Conversions (Length)	38
	Measuring the Mass of Objects	39
	Measuring and Converting Mass	40
	Measuring and Converting Volume	41
	Conversion of Volume Units	43
	Density Demonstrations	44
	Regular and Diet Drink	44
	Sinking the Aluminum Foil	44
	Density Stack	45
	Measuring and Calculating Density	46
	Metrics Quiz	48
	Graphing Data	49
	Graphing Examples	50
	Writing the Conclusion	52
	Sample Experiment Write-Up	53
	Scoring Guide for the Experiment Write-Up	56
	Review, Tests, and Projects
	Weekly Journal Entries	58
	Notes on the Scientific Method	59
	Scientific Method Vocabulary & Definitions	60
	Scientific Method Study Guide	61
	Scientific Method Test A	62
	Scientific Method Test B	65
	Open-Response Questions & Rubrics	67
	Neutralization	67
	Energy Source for Plants	69
	An Effective Science Fair Project	71
	Appendix
	Weekly Lesson Plan Form	74
	Differentiation Checklist	75
	Sample First Week Lesson Plan	76
	Science Fair Judges' Rubric	77
	Answer Key	78