Scientific Method Lesson Plans

1. Ask the Antlion- Students learn about basic biological principles through using the scientific processes of observation and recording as they examine live insects (antlions).
2. Comparing Solvents- Students will investigate the effects of solvents in cleaning by designing and carrying out an experiment utilizing the steps of the scientific method. A video is used as an introduction to the concept of solvents.
3. Decidedly Different- In this first lesson of the Unit Plan, What Makes Me Who I Am, students study why scientists need to use observable characteristics, how they sort the characteristics, and why they do so. Journal entries allow students to reflect and make inferences.
4. Hey You! Want to Become a Scientist?- Students prepare and give oral presentations about assigned scientists and the accomplishments of the scientists after completing research and written reports on their subjects. To make this interesting and fun for the students and teacher, each student can be instructed to create and wear a costume to "become" their designated scientist.
5. False Assumptions Can Get You In Trouble- Little deceptive problem stories are presented to the class, and students are challenged to solve each problem by asking only yes/no questions.
6. Find the Washer- A closed box is shown to the class. It can be seen that 3 wires run through the box lengthwise and 3 more run through it widthwise, creating a grid of 6 crossed wires.
7. Inquiring Minds Want To Know - Inquiring minds participate in an inquiry-based lesson plan which has them construct an experiment in a scientifically valid way that will shed light on the controversy of nature vs nurture. This is lesson three of the unit, Twin Traits.
8. Introduction to the Scientific Method- The main objective of this lesson is to get the students involved in a class activity while introducing the process of the scientific method.
9. It Won't Budge: Balloon- Through use of a "silent teacher" demonstration, students use the scientific method to discover the principle behind the balloon not being inflated.
10. Mystery Powder Investigation- During this lesson, students will work individually to identify a mystery powder.
11. Oyster Shell Observation- Students use oyster shells to observe and identify specific attributes and communicate those in writing to other classmates. This activity helps students to master proper scientific observation and communication.
12. Palpating Pachyderms- This lesson is built around the poem by John Godfrey Saxe (1816-1887): "The Blind Men and the Elephant".
13. Plants, Soil, and Nutrients- In this hands-on activity, students will conduct an experiment that will help them understand the functions of plants. Furthermore, the students will use the scientific method to assist them in their explorations.
14. Red, Green, and Blue Mystery Liquids! Hypothesis or Inference?- Students are actively involved in the scientific method and inquiry as they form quick hypotheses based upon a teacher set of mystery liquids. Students will determine they need to make additional observations of the liquids to test their initial hypotheses and form inferences.
15. Roll With The Punches: Depression Era Machinery- Groups construct models of simple and complicated machines with Legos. Then they design an experiment using the scientific method.
16. The Scientific Method- Children appreciate that the scientific method is trial and error. Children understand the scientific process, beginning with the problem, then stating the hypothesis.
17. The Scientific Method Using Mystery Powders- Use a gift wrapped box as a motivational technique to introduce the scientific process/method.
18. Scientific Method and Crystal Growth- Students use a hands-on experiment in crystal growth to learn about the nature of science as inquiry. In addition to science as inquiry, the students will learn about mineral crystallization and rates of crystal growth.
19. Scientific Method - "The Big Ahah"- The students will be able to use the scientific method, understand it's importance to good scientific experimentation and provide justification for it's use.
20. Solving a Problem with the Scientific Method- Students will use the scientific method to determine the similarity or difference in 2 liquids.
21. Sunny Delight- Students are introduced to the scientific method to complete experiments on the sun and find out how heat from the sun has varying effects depending on the surface it strikes.
22. Testing Termites to Discover- Students utilize open inquiry and the scientific method to discover how termites respond to their environment.
23. Up, Up and Away with the Scientific Method- Up, Up and Away with the Scientific Method introduces the scientific method to kick off the school year or as science fair time arrives. Help your students use the scientific method to design a way for a balloon to be suspended between the floor and ceiling.
24. Wet Heads - The lesson will enable students to complete a lesson of scientific inquiry and use the steps in the scientific method to solve a problem. Students will determine the amount of water drops needed to cover the heads of various coins, including a penny, nickel, dime, and quarter.
25. Whodunit?- The purpose of this lesson is to practice using the scientific method with a theoretical problem and provide students with the information management skills necessary to understand and creatively analyze the cause and effect(s) of an event.