Guiding+Activity+4


 * Joe Santoro's Guiding Activity

Big Idea:** Inquiry


 * Timeline:** 1-2 class periods


 * Essential Question:**

How can thinking scientifically help to solve problems?


 * The Challenge:**

Use the Milkweed Bug Simulation to learn more about milkweed bugs and then develop an experiment based upon a question of your own?


 * The Guiding Questions:**

1. How does a scientist design an experiment based on the scientific method to systematically solve a problem? 2. How does a scientist use the results of a scientific experiment (evidence) to develop conclusions? 3. How does a scientist present the results and conclusions of an experiment?

Activator - Video focus around the milkweed plant but also draws significance to the milkweed bug. A great way to see what the students already know about the milkweed. media type="youtube" key="25kQ8Nb7zvQ" height="385" width="480" Teaching Strategies - 1. Students complete an activity on Milkweed-Bug Reproductive Potential together with their group to determine just how large a milkweed bug population can get. A great way to gain background knowledge before designing and analyzing an experiment They are allowed to use calculators. 2. On the next day the students will use the Milkweed Bug Simulation (For access to the FOSS website use the following: User Id - Santoro Password- science 8) as a testing vehicle to determine which variable has the greatest affect on the milkweed bug population. They will use the Milkweed Bugs Limited worksheet to guide their activity. Each group is instructed to experiment with the population using the online simulator and be prepared to present their evidence to the class and the methodology for determining which variable had the greatest affect. 3. As groups present their evidence and their experimental design the other groups should take notes and be prepared to provide constructive criticism based on the experimental design.
 * Guiding Activity:**


 * Lesson Closure:**

The lesson concludes with a discussion of the major considerations when designing a scientific experiment. Major points with focus around the need for a variable, control and strong attention to constants.


 * Looking to the Future:**

Beyond this lesson the students will move to analyze different scientific experiments and draw conclusions based on the results.

Listied on our [|Group 2 Diigo] Guiding Activity Created by Joe Santoro
 * Lesson Resources:**