Learning Domain: Engineering, Technology, & Applications of Science
Standard: Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Degree of Alignment:
Not Rated
(0 users)
Science Domain: Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science
Topic: Engineering Design
Standard: Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Degree of Alignment:
2 Strong
(1 user)
This was a great lesson plan. It was very in depth and walked the teacher through how to run the activity. The activity even gave the learning goals, as well as, tips for teachers. This is an activity I look forward to incorporating into my classroom.
I really enjoyed your lesson plan! I think it's very detailed and I feel 100% confident in doing the lesson on my own. I really like how the students are active while outside doing this lesson. I think a couple of things that would really make the lesson complete would be if the standards were inside of the lesson plan, that way a teacher could just print off the lesson plan and go without having to look for the standards. Another suggestion I have is to include modifications for students with special needs. Some students may not be able to bend down and get the soil, or wouldn't be able to write down their observations. Maybe include some options for them. The last suggestion I have is to have options for technology. Maybe to help document where students found the soil sample they could take pictures. I really do like your lesson and I think it's great!
This resource will allow pupils to do research or do investigations to get first hand experience and be engaged physically with the various soils.
This investigation should be considered by teachers who want their students to conduct a field study. It is somewhat aligned (rating 2) to the following Hawaii Content and Performance Standards III benchmarks:
* SC 2.1.2: Conduct a simple investigation using a systematic process safely to test a
prediction
* SC 2.8.1: Identify different Earth materials and classify them by their physical
properties
It strongly reinforces (rating 3) the following process benchmarks:
* SC K.1.1: Uses senses to make observations
* SC K.1.2: Ask questions about the world around them
* SC 1.1.1: Collect, record, and organize data using simple tools, equipment, and
techniques safely
This investigation is clearly focused on process as opposed to content. This is a guided inquiry investigation as students will create their own plan for collecting and recording data. This includes the locations of their soil samples so when they return to the classroom, they students have a system of knowing and sharing this data.
However, as the integration of process with content is a best practice, please consider the following suggestions:
* In Day 1, revise "5 questions about each location or soil sample" to have students record 2-3 observations each for location and soil sample. Students need to have sufficient observations for each of these data points.
* Between Steps 2 and 3 in Day 2, have students share their observations of the physical properties made during their investigation. Post a large map of the field study area, and have students plot the locations of their soil samples. Then discuss the physical properties of the samples in relation to their location.