WV State Standards: Math: M.O.CM.2.1, M.O.CM.5.2 Science: SC.10.1.1, SC.10.1.2, SC.10.1.3, SC.10.1.4, SC.10.2.1, SC.10.2.2, SC.10.2.3, SC.10.2.5, SC.10.2.7, SC.10.3.1, SC.10.3.2, SC.10.3.4, SC.10.6.5, AP.1.1, AP.1.3, AP.2.1, AP.2.2, AP.2.3, AP.2.5, AP.2.7, AP.3.2, AP.3.4, AP.5.3,  PTC.1.1, PTC.1.3, PTC.2.1, PTC.2.2, PTC.2.3, PTC.2.5, PTC.2.7, PTC.3.2, PTC.3.4, PTC.5.3, PTC.6.3 Technology: TEC.9-12.1.2, TEC.9-12.2.1, TEC.9-12.2.2, TEC.9-12.4.1 National Standards:  Math: 1 Science: 11, 12 Technology: 1, 2, 5 Blooms Taxonomy: Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis,  Evaluate 21st Century Skills: Creativity and intellectual curiosity Critical thinking and systems thinking Problem identification, formulation, and solution Thinking and problem-solving skills Communication skills Information and media literacy skills Interpersonal and collaborative skills Social responsibility Self-direction Accountability and adaptability

Objective(s)

Students will name, describe and use the four main steps associated with the Scientific Method, summarize reasons for and usefulness of the Scientific Method, and work cooperatively in groups.

Time Required

Two - 45 minute periods

Pre-Requisite Skills

None

Internet, computers for every student

chalkboard, whiteboard or other display device, computer connected to classroom projector

Procedure

Day 1

1. Facilitate a class discussion and guide students with note taking, concerning the reasons for using the Scientific Method (found in Introduction to the Scientific Method). Have students name the four steps to the Scientific Method as: define a problem, develop a hypothesis,make predictions, and formulate a theory.
2. Discuss the Different forms of the Scientific Method, Common Mistakes in Applying the Scientific Method and Are there Circumstances in which the Scientific Method is not applicable?
3. Discuss how engineers use the Scientific Method to solve design problems.  Consider inviting an engineer as a guest speaker to talk about the design process in their work.
4. Using the internet web site on the Scientific Method, students will practice the correct order of the Scientific Method.  Note:  this web site lists six steps, not four.  Discuss why the six could be compressed into four steps during the preceding class discussion on Different forms of the Scientific Method.
5. Notebook quiz on reason for, steps & explanation of, common mistakes in applying the Scientific Method and application in the field of engineering.

Day 2

1. Students will apply the scientific method to hypothetical and real life situations by completing each of the following activities on the Internet: Car, Forensics, and Yeast.
2. Have each row, table, or group of students choose a different number from one to five.  Tell them they will be viewing a video where they are to observe what happens with the assigned number.  This creates a competitive spirit within the classroom for creating the bottle rocket that goes the highest. 
3. Show the movie of bottle rocket launch to lead the class to define the problem (Step 1 of the Scientific Method). 
4. Discuss how engineers would approach the stated problem and ask each member of the group to record the definition of the problem. 
5. Lead students to discuss not only rocket height as the determinant of success, but to also consider cost of construction.  Consider engineering design problem processes where success is limited by costs.  A discussion will follow to consider the ratio of height of the rocket to total cost of construction. This will be the determinant of success. 
6. Students will discuss and record at least three questions to consider regarding bottle rocket performance. (Step 2 of the Scientific Method). 
7. Students will write several hypotheses and predictions for each.

Differentiated Instruction

Day 1 - have teacher notes on class discussion printed for special needs students to highlight rather than take notes; pair special needs students with above average students on computer activity where they practice the correct order of the Scientific Method. 

Day 2 - pair special needs students with above average students on computer activity applying the Scientific Method.  Ensure even distribution of special needs students in groups of four.

Author's Comments

If your textbook has different steps than the four steps given in the Procedures for Day 1, match the Scientific Method to your textbook.

Day 1 - notebook quiz on the Scientific Method.

Day 2 - collect recorded responses to each activity and questions to consider on bottle rockets and hypothesis and predictions for each group.