Scientific Process Skills

Grade 7 Science Curriculum

Unit of Study: SCIENTIFIC PROCESS SKILLS
Suggested Time: 4 Weeks

 

Content Standard CINQ. 1 – 10 Scientific Process Skills (Core Scientific Inquiry, Literacy and Numeracy)
Essential Question: How is scientific knowledge created and communicated?

 

Focus Question #1 How do we use appropriate tools and techniques to make observations and gather data?

Expected Performances: The student will be able to:

a. measure length in metric units (mm, cm, m, km) using meter sticks. (CINQ. 5, 6)

b. measure mass in metric units (g, kg) using triple beam and electronic balances. (CINQ. 5, 6)

c. measure volume in metric units (ml, L) using graduated cylinders. (CINQ. 5)

d. measure temperature ( ° C) using thermometers. (CINQ. 5)

e. measure and convert time units using stop watches. (CINQ. 5, 6)

Required Activities:

  1. Measure length in metric units (mm, cm, m, km) using meter sticks.
  2. Measure mass in metric units (g, kg) using triple beam and electronic balances.
  3. Measure volume in metric units (ml, L) using graduated cylinders.

Optional Activities:

  1. Select activities to allow students to practice/demonstrate the science skills listed above.

Assessments:

Tasks in which measurement skills are demonstrated.

 

Focus Question #2 How do we use a graph to analyze and interpret data?

Expected Performances: The student will be able to:

a. plot data and construct an appropriate graph. (CINQ. 6, 7)

b. interpret data from a graph. (CINQ. 6, 7)

Required Activities:

  1. Select activities to allow students to practice/demonstrate graphing skills, such as graphing Project O data.

Optional Activities:

none

Assessments:

Given a data set, students will construct an appropriate graph and analyze data.

Focus Question #3 How do we conduct a scientific investigation?

Expected Performances: The student will be able to:

a. identify a question that can be answered through a scientific investigation. (CINQ. 1)

b. identify independent and dependent variables, and constants. (CINQ. 4, 7)

c. draw conclusions and identify sources of error. (CINQ. 8)

d. complete a lab report. (CINQ. 4, 6, 7, 8, 10)

Required Activities:

  1. Select a lab activity that allows students to conduct a scientific investigation and communicate their results, such as surface type vs. bounce height, splatter size vs. drop height.

Optional Activities:

none

Assessments:

Students will apply inquiry skills to construct a lab report demonstrating the scientific method.

Resources Needed:

Student Resources:

Measurement tools such as meter sticks, triple beam balance, electronic balance, graduated cylinders, thermometers, and stop watches.

Prentice Hall Any Module

 

Bold face indicates CORE expected performances to be assessed by CMT

Ledyard Public Schools
Revised 5/20/05
Approved by Instructional Council May 20, 2005