The+Scientific+Method+in+the+News

__Title of Lesson__ Finding the Scientific Method in Science News

__Grade Level__ Tenth Grade

__Time for Completion__ 60 minutes

__Material Needed for Lesson__ __Curriculum Integration__ · Unifies reading comprehension with scientific literacy. · Stimulates awareness of integration of the scientific method with societal needs in a technological society.

__Relation to National/State Standards__ Show-Me Standards for Science Standard 7 · The “scientific method” is not a fixed set of steps; however, inquiry follows a logical approach in which a testable hypothesis is generated, data is analyzed, and results are communicated. (CLE 7.1.A.f)  · Explain the importance of public presentation of scientific work and supporting evidence to the scientific community. (CLE 7.1.D.c) Standard 8 · Analyze how science and technology affect, and are affected by, society. (CLE 8.3.D.a)

__Objectives__ Given a science news article, students will accurately identify applications of the scientific method in the news article.

__Motivation__ Ask students whether they have recently heard or read about new scientific discoveries. Point out that scientific discoveries happen around us every day. Emphasize we enjoy the fruits of these scientific discoveries in the form of things like new developments in computers and electronics, new materials to make clothing and other goods, and new medicines to treat diseases. One way to learn about these scientific discoveries is through science news articles. If we look closely, we can see that the scientific method plays a key role in making our lives better in our technological society.

__Background information__ Prior to this lesson, the students will have been exposed to the scientific method and the steps usually associated with the scientific method. The previous emphasis will have been the importance of the scientific method in historical discoveries and its application in the laboratory. Students will also been exposed to the form and elements of a scientific journalism article.

__Vocabulary__ scientific method, problem statement, research, hypothesis, experimental design, conclusion, reformulation, publishing, science journalism, news article.

__Materials__ PowerPoint presentation titled //Finding the Scientific Method in Science News//; smart board, copies of the science news article //By Happy Accident, Chemists Produce A New Blue;// copies of the article //How to Bug Bugs//; pencils.

__Procedures__ · Begin by establishing anticipatory set by reviewing the motivation, background information, and objective with the students. · Using the PowerPoint presentation, review the steps of the scientific method. · Using the PowerPoint presentation, review the role of science news articles. · Using the PowerPoint presentation, preview how to look for application of the scientific method in a science news article. · Hand out copies of the article //By Happy Accident, Chemists Produce A New Blue//. · Using the PowerPoint presentation, read and demonstrate as follows: o Read the entire selection from the article on each slide. o Before leaving a slide, circle sections of the selection on the slide and identify the step of the scientific method that applies. o Have students follow along and similarly mark their copies of the article. o Instructor models the thinking that went into selecting the step of the scientific method. o Invite students to discuss the choice by asking students if they agree or disagree and to give their reasons. o As the students become more comfortable with the thinking modeled, ask the students what they think is the step of the scientific method that applies before revealing the instructor’s choice. · Hand out copies of the article //How to Bug Bugs//. · Using the PowerPoint presentation, go over the small group assignment to mark sections of the article that appear to involve application of the scientific method and to label that passage with the step of scientific method the students think applies. · Circulate during as student groups perform the assignment, and assess students understanding through their comments, questions, and writing. · Call the class back together and have each small group present their analysis of //How to Bug a Bug//. · Using the PowerPoint presentation on a smart board, record the findings of each small group on the article. · Invite the class ask questions of each small group at the end of each group’s presentation. · Wrap up the lesson by summarizing the key points of the lesson.

__Adaptations for the Diverse Learner or Special Populations__ · Students with vision or hearing disabilities are assigned to seats closest to the smart board for the presentation. · Students with reading disabilities are assigned to groups with stronger readers and the group is asked to read the article out loud to their group. · Students with learning disabilities are provided notes sheets printed from the PowerPoint presentation.

__Assessment__ · Formative assessment based on students’ answers to questions, answers, and discussion during demonstration.

· Summative assessment is accomplished through students’ oral presentation of their findings during the group activity. Assessment will be based upon the clearness of the presentation (5 points), the correctness of their application (5 points), and the quality of their reasoning (10 points)

__Lesson Variations and Extensions__ The lesson of looking for applications of the scientific method in science articles has the following variations and extensions: · Science news articles written for younger readers can be substituted or augmented for students having difficulty with reading comprehension at their current grade level, · Science articles from professional journals may be substituted or augmented to explore a different form of science article and/or to challenge gifted students, · Additional science news articles may be assigned as individual practice, and/or · Students can be given an assignment to find a science news article on their own for individual practice and presentation to the class.

__Classroom and Materials Management Plan (including safety of supplies)__ · Normal classroom rules and procedures will be stressed before and during each stage of the lesson including those specific to discussions, group activities, and oral presentations. · The instructor will establish membership of each small group in advance and each student will be assigned a specific role within the group.