Applied Science - Science and Math (5A)
Pre Lab 

   
OBJECTIVES:
  • Interpreting data from a graph.
  • Plotting data on a graph.
VOCABULARY:
  • data
  • estimation
  • interpret
  • graph
  • prediction
MATERIALS:
  • worksheet
  • measuring tape

Students plot data on a graph.

BACKGROUND:

Introduce students to how scientists look logically at the world.  Scientists attempt to simplify and understand how the world works and use different techniques to gain this knowledge.  Emphasize that before beginning a project, whether it is in the science field or not, a working plan is needed.  Scientists normally predict an outcome to test an idea.  In this lab, students will gain practice in prediction and estimation and learn how to present information or data.  Data can either be "real" (actually derived information from an experiment or observation) or "estimated" (a general idea based on an educated guess.)

A graph is a tool that shows easily read information.  To be helpful, graphs must be designed correctly.  Graphs can show how things are related and how they can be compared.  Go over simple graphs, and emphasize bar graphs.  Have students list where they have seen graphs and charts.  The list may include areas such as the stock market, newspapers, television, math books, and advertisements.  Give the students a homework assignment to cut out graphs and charts from a local newspaper.  They will be amazed at how many they will find.

PROCEDURE:

  1. Review with students the basic philosophy of the I.Science MaTe curriculum.  The Life Cycle is present on Planet Earth, because of the Water Cycle.  The movement of the outer portion of the Earth created water and three different rocks (Rock Cycle) as a result of the Plate Tectonic Cycle.  This planet we call Earth has life, water, and rocks because of how we were formed by the Universe Cycle.  Understanding the Earth and how we were formed gives scientists an insight into controlling the forces that made us.
      
  2. See how much students remember from their last year of science.  Ask them which were their favorite labs from Applied Science, Universe Cycle, Plate Tectonic Cycle, Rock Cycle, Water Cycle and Life Cycle.  This helps identify students who are not familiar with the program.
       
  3. Discuss students' perception of science by having them give their opinions on what they think science is all about.  Have students list the different parts of science, like biology, geology, chemistry, or physics.
      
  4. Using the worksheet, have students provide data so they can interpret a bar graph.  Pose the following question to the class, "How many students are between 3-4 feet tall, 4-5 feet tall, and 5-6 feet tall?"  
      
  5. Then discuss how to graph this information.  Students should collect data using the worksheet, plot their graphs, and then interpret the results as a class.

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