Unit title:             Science

Grade level:           6

Lesson Title:         Exploring the scientific method through gravity

Objectives:            SWBAT discover that gravity pulls on all objects at the same rate because the force of gravity depends upon the mass of the earth which remains constant.

 

                           SWBAT use the scientific method which includes the following:

·         Problem identification

·         Creating a hypothesis

·         Listing needed materials

·         Designing a procedure

·         Designing a way to collect data

·         Analyzing and drawing conclusions based on the collected data

 SWBAT convey their results through writing and oral sharing with the rest of the class.

 

Materials:             
Various sized books
golf balls 
pens                               
Nickels
marbles     
pencils                             
Paper
clips                                            
ziplocs
lab worksheet

Motivation/Preteach:         

Introductory discussion:

·         Why do we not float off into outer space?

·         What keeps us on the earth?

·         Introduce gravity:

·         What is it?

·         How does it work?

·         What is it contingent on?  (See if students can make the connection that if the earth’s mass remains constant, then what can be inferred about the time it takes two objects to fall to the earth if released from the same height.  Hopefully they will say that the objects will reach the ground at the same time regardless of size or weight.)

·         How do we know there is such a force as gravity?

·         Allow students to give their own rationalizations

·         Discuss the results of the previous lab on gravity

·         Talk about biases and swaying the results in or against ones favor

·         Stress the importance of careful, unbiased observation and data gathering

Directions/Events:

·         Reintroduce the gravity lab from last week with emphasis on exploring gravity and not just working the scientific method

·         Have students identify/formulate a problem, hypothesis, prediction, material list, and design an experiment and data collection method

·         After students show me these items, have them start experimenting with the manipulatives and collect their data:  Students will be dropping various objects of different weights and sizes at the same time from the same height (2 objects at a time).  They will use their data tables to indicate which object reaches the ground first.

·         After data collection, have students record the results, analyze the data, draw conclusions

Assessment: Check students’ lab write-ups looking for all the parts of the scientific method as well as the conclusion that gravity pulls on all objects at the same rate, therefore all objects when released from an equal height reaches the ground at the same time.

Closure:

·         Students will share their results and conclusions with the class

·         Students will write about the importance of being unbiased as a scientist (1 paragraph)