Science Method and Inquiry Unit Guide

Grade Level: 3 Length of Unit ______2 weeks______

Overview / Goals of Unit
Third grade students need guided experiences using tools and instruments for observing and measuring in scientific activities. They must identify and practice accepted safety procedures in manipulating science materials and equipment. They also need guided practice toward communicating scientific ideas and activities clearly. This unit focuses on hands-on, student-centered, and inquiry-based activities to teach third grade students these skills.
GP Standards Addressed
S3CS3. Students will use tools and instruments for observing, measuring, and manipulating objects in scientific activities utilizing safe laboratory procedures.
S3CS5. Students will communicate scientific ideas and activities clearly.
Enduring Understandings
Third grade students keep records of observations without making alterations. They observe, construct, and measure objects using ordinary hand tools. Third graders observe things with many parts and describe the ways in which the parts influence or interact with one another. They represent objects in the real world with geometric figures, number sequences, graphs, diagrams, maps, and stories. Third graders know that safety is a fundamental concern in all experimental science. They adhere to safety rules and guidelines.
Essential Questions
  • How do you choose the tool or instrument needed to conduct a scientific investigation?
  • Why do we practice safety procedures when conducting an experiment?
  • How do you accurately record your data?
  • How do you clearly communicate your ideas and findings?

Misconceptions / Proper Conceptions
Concepts
  • Identify and practice accepted safety procedures in manipulating science materials and equipment.
  • Use tools and instruments for observing, measuring, and manipulating objects in scientific activities.
  • Write instructions that others can follow in carrying out a scientific procedure.
  • Make sketches to aid in explaining scientific procedures or ideas.
  • Use numerical data in describing and comparing objects and events.

Vocabulary
beaker, data, equipment, experiment, goggles, hand lens, inquiry, instructions, instruments, laboratory, manipulate, measure, metric, numerical, observe, record, safety procedures, sketches, stopwatch, thermometer, tools
Evidence of Learning
Performance Assessment: Skit
By the conclusion of this unit, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts by writing and performing a skit entitled “One Day in the Science Lab…”
  • The skit will demonstrate the students’ choosing the appropriate tools and instruments for observing and measuring.
  • The skit will demonstrate the students’ utilizing safe laboratory procedures.
  • The skit will demonstrate the students’ communicating scientific ideas, vocabulary, and activities clearly and accurately.

Resources
Georgia Department of Education
Harcourt Science Georgia Edition, Harcourt School Publishers, © 2002 by Harcourt Inc.

Science Method & Inquiry Unit Guide Page | 1