LESSON PLAN FORMAT-Modified

Your name: Katie Kimmelman

Grade/Subject: 7th grade science
Unit Plan Driving question/Theme/Title: Introduction to Science Methods and Experimentation
Lesson title/Topic: First Day Experiment
Lesson number: 1

STANDARDS/BENCHMARKS/GLCE addressed in this lesson:

S.IP.07.11 Generate scientific questions based on observations, investigations, and research.
S.IP.07.12 Design and conduct scientific investigations
S.RS.07.12 Describe limitations in personal and scientific knowledge.
MS-ETS1-2.
Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well
they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
MS-ETS1-3.
Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design
solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better
meet the criteria for success.

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES Through these learning activities, the learner will
demonstrate the ability to:
Read and set up their own experiment, solve the experiment by investigating different ways to complete
it, and be able to discuss their process

INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Time: (for each section)
Introduction:
Ask questions:

How many of you have done an experiment before? (In school or at home)
Did you use the scientific method?
Introduce experiment, split into groups of two or three, handout experiment worksheet
Explain each part of the worksheet, explain why it is important to follow the scientific
method
Instructional activities (including checking for understanding activities, modeling, guided
practice, independent practice)
Students work on completing the experiment, teacher roams room and helps students
when needed

Assessment
Evaluation: Ability to complete the assignment and answer questions

Conclusion/closure
Have different groups share with the class what they did complete the experiment

Assignment/follow up
The scientific method and other skills will be used throughout the rest of the year

LIST of MATERIALS and CLASSROOM SET UP needs:

Gummy worms, lifesavers, plastic cups, paperclips
SAFETY/CAUTIONS:

LIST of RESOURCES:
http://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/saving_sam.html

Only You Can Help Save Sam!

Sam has been spending his summer boating on the great lakes. However, hes not
too bright (after all, the brains of worms are pretty small). Hes never learned how to
swim, and he never wears his life preserver. The worst has happened! His boat has
capsized and hes stuck! Fortunately, his life preserver is in the boat, but unfortunately
he does not know how to reach it without falling off and drowning.

Use the Scientific Method to:

Problem:
How can you and your partner save Sam using only 4 paper clips. You may not touch
Sam, the boat, or the life preserver directly with your hands.
Materials:
Gummy Worm
Gummy Life Saver preserver
1 Plastic or Paper Cup
4 Paper Clips

Set up:
To start the experiment set the life saver on the desk.
Place the cup upside down covering the lifesaver
Place Sam on top of the cup

Experimental Question:
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Discussion Ideas (Research): Have each person in your group present at least one idea
for saving Sam
1.

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2.

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3.

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4.

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Hypothesis: (If . . . Then . . .)

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Procedure: Record detailed instructions and illustrations for saving Sam below. You do
not have to use 6 steps. If you have more than 6 steps just add the additional steps on the
last page of your lab.
Written Directions
Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Illustration

Observations: Explain what happened when you attempted to save Sam using the
procedures above.
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Analysis:
1.

2.

Explain 2 problems you encountered in this lab.

a.

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b.

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Explain 2 ideas or techniques that you think worked well for this lab.
a.

_______________________________________________

b.

_______________________________________________

Conclusion:
Explain which methods you think are best for saving Sam and why.
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Describe the effectiveness of your procedure for saving Sam.
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If you had different materials that you could touch how would this have changed the
experiment?
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