Raft Rescue -A technology and laboratory infused, inquiry-based Webquest on Experimental Design

    Teacher Page:

Essential Question:      

What is success?

Objective:

The student will demonstrate synthesis of Experimental Design by designing, constructing, and communicating the design for a 15 person raft during the course of a webquest.

Academic Language:

Problem             Variable             Independent Variable         

Hypothesis                 Inference           Dependent Variable

Observation       Prediction         Control Variable 

Procedure          Data                  Data Analysis

Density              Blueprint            Buoyancy

Mass                 Volume              Measurement

Replication         Communication   Sink

Float                 Accurate

 Tentative Two Week Student Schedule:  Approximately 45 minute classes

Day One: Title- Predict what the webquest might be about based on the title. Introduction and Task

               Identify the Problem

Day Two: Begin Process � Step 1 Rescue Team Formation and Step 2 Scientific Method Video

Day Three: Step 3 Hobby Roles/ Step 4 Begin Research

               Research

Days Four and Five: Step 4 Research at Expertise Schools / Begin Online Experiments

Day Six: Finish Online Experiment Begin Step 5 (Jigsaw Strategy) Student discuss research with teammates. Begin Step 6 � Begin Raft Construction

             Identify Variables / Hypothesize / Plan your Experiment

Days Seven: Step 6 � Raft Construction / Collect and Record Data

             Experiment / Collect - Record Data

Days Eight and Nine: Step 7 � Conclusion and Communication/Blueprints and Procedure

Day 10: Communicate with Survivors / Survivor Raft Build

Day 11: Conclusion (not part of two week schedule) � Questions can be answered in whole-class discussion, small groups, or individually.   

Differentiated  Modifications:   Modify expertise sheets by having more of the information included or adjust amount needed. Let students cut and paste from websites into expertise sheet. Group students in Specialty areas according to needs.

Extention Modifications: Additional sites could be used for research, computer programs can be utilized for blueprints.

Arkansas Science Frameworks:

arkansased.org/educators/curriculum/frameworks.html

NS 1.6.1 � Verify accuracy of observations

�        Recognize and use the five senses to make observations

�        Accurately use measurement tools

�        Organize and compare data

�        Compare data with others

�        Verify accuracy of observations

NS: 1.6.2 � Apply components of experimental design used to produce empirical evidence:

�        Hypothesis

�        Replication

�        Sample size

�        Appropriate use of control

�        Use of Standardized variables

NS: 1.6.5 � Communicate results and conclusions from scientific inquiry.

�        Conduct scientific inquiry

�        Record results

�        Draw conclusions

�        Communicate results and conclusions

NS: 1.6.6 � Develop and implement strategies for long-term, accurate data collection.

�        Conduct several short- term scientific investigations

�        Organize and record data

PS: 5.6.4 � Apply skills of scientific investigation to determine density using SI units.

�        Explain the various process skills used to conduct scientfic investigations.

�        Explain that density is a comparison of an objects�s mass to its volume.

�        Apply skills of scientific investigation to determine density using SI Units.

M.3.2.1 � Describe the effect of the buoyant force.

M. 3.2.2 � Explain how the density of an object determines whether it will sink or float.

P. 1.1.2 � Describe the attitudes, or habits of mind, that are important in science.

P.1.3.1 � Explain why people need to understand scientific principles and think scientifically.

P 2.1.1 � Explain why scientists use a standard measurement system.

P. 2.1.2 � Identify the SI units of measure for length, volume, density, time, and temperature.

 

Standards: Common Core Literacy for Science

1.   Determine central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide and accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions

2.   Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.

3.   Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grade 6 texts and topics

7. Integrate quantitative and technical information

8. Distinguish among fact, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text.

9. Compare and contrast the information gained from experiments, simulations, video or multimedia sources with that gained from reading a text on the same topic.

Standards: Connections to Common Core Math

1.   Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them

2.   Reason abstractly and quantitatively

3.   Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others

4.   Model with mathematics

5.   Use appropriate tools strategically

6.   Attend to precision

National Education Technology Student Standards - NETS  http://www.sd281.k12.id.us/curriculum/Subject%20Areas/Info%20Lit/netsstd.htm

1. Research tools
   

   Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.

   
   

   Students use technology tools to process data and report results.

   
   

   Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks. 

   
   
2. Problem-solving and decision-making tools
   

   Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.

   
   

   Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.

 

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