Scientific Explanationsin 4th Grade

A lesson using an inquiry based approach to learning about

electrical circuits using a scientific explanation.

Borrowed from www.terragalleria.com

The Task

You have been learning about a few different types of circuits. Use what you know to help with the following question to create a scientific explanation! Use this slide show to guide your understanding of the scientific explanation process. Don’t forget to use the Web 2.0 tools available to share and present your thoughts and ideas!

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Clipart borrowed from www.tut5.com

The Problem

You are going camping for two weeks deep in the Canadian wilderness. You will need to stop at the store before you go to gather all your materials and supplies. You come across flashlights wired in a series and in a parallel circuit. You will not be able to get back to the store for two weeks because you will be miles away. Which type of flashlight would you chose to purchase to take with you? Explain your thinking.

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Scientific Explanation: Step 1

• You must first read the question or problem carefully.

• You might create new questions about ideas between the prior knowledge and information you are unsure about.

• Record your new questions in the classroom Wikispace and come back to answer if you can.

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Scientific Explanation: Step 2

• Begin to state a claim or hypothesis

• A hypothesis is an educated guess based on your prior knowledge of the concept.

• Record your hypothesis on your Wikispace.

• Don’t forget to use your unit vocabulary when stating your claims.

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Image from www.howstuffworks.com

Scientific Explanation: Step 3

• Determine the supportive evidence and data.

• Experiment by creating flashlights wired in different ways and use trial and error to discuss opinions.

• Record your thoughts and ideas on the Wikispace.

• Use a digital camera to take pictures of your flashlights to enhance your evidence. Don’t forget captions when describing what is in your picture.

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Image from www.chinawholesale.org

Scientific Explanation: Step 4

• Form a conclusion based on what you have learned.

• Record your ideas on your Wikispace.

• Use appropriate vocabulary as you articulate your responses.

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Clean up conclusions!

• Check the Wikispace to make sure you have clearly explained your ideas in a way that everyone can understand them. Reread to be sure!

• Have a peer check for you too! • Upload any pictures you would like to share along

with those. Try www.picnik.com to give your photos some fun looks.

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Image from www. boinc.berkeley.edu

The Presentation!

Now, you must create a presentation in Voicethread or slideshare to state your conclusions in a unique way.

You must pretend you are the CEO of a company marketing the flashlights you chose. Use Google Docs to create a powerpoint presentation with the students that have similar conclusions. This slideshow will become a commercial for your product.

Create this slideshow persuading customers to purchase your flashlights for future camping trips. Don’t forget to include your EVIDENCE to support your persuasion and any digital pictures. Have fun!

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