This page includes subject reference material, upcoming assignments, quizzes, and assessments for 1st term science. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch via my Contact page.
Unit 1: Metric System Review – My metric unit includes labs on length, mass, volume, and density. Students have many opportunities to use rulers, triple-beam balances, and other science equipment to learn/review how to use the metric system of measurements. (Lesson plans courtesy of and credited to Mrs. Tracy Trimpe)
Lesson #1: Length
Length Presentation (PPT) - I use this presentation to review the basic units of length and how to measure distances.
Length Worksheet (pdf) – Student worksheet that goes along with the presentation.
Length Lab (pdf) – Students are challenged to find the length of various objects in millimeters, centimeters, and meters.
Units of Measure – Length (pdf) - Thanks to Chrstina Bryant for sharing this worksheet.
Lesson #2: Mass
Mass Presentation (PPT) - I use this presentation to review the basic units of mass and how to measure mass using a triple-beam balance.
Mass Worksheet (pdf) – Student worksheet that goes along with the presentation.
Mass Lab (pdf) – For the mass lab, students first estimate the mass of various objects, then find the actual mass using triple-beam balances or other scales. To prepare for the activity you will need to organize various items (coins, paper clips, marbles, rocks, large washers/s-hooks, etc.) and triple-beam balances or scales for each group. They may group items together to reach a targeted mass, such as three pennies for 5 grams, or just use a single item.
NOTE: Estimates should be checked before any measuring is allowed! Some students will skip the estimation step and advance to using the scales!
Lesson #3: Volume
Volume Presentation (PPT) - I use this presentation to review the basic units of volume and how to measure volume of regular and irregular objects.
Volume Worksheet (pdf) – Student worksheet that goes along with the presentation.
Volume Lab (pdf) – This lab consists of measuring the volume of liquids and regular solids as well as using graduated cylinders and overflow cans to find the volume of irregular objects (rocks).
Lesson #4: Density
BrainPop Measuring Matter Video – Students watch the BrainPop movie and complete the activity sheets – regular.
Mystery Canisters (pdf) – The density lab, known as Mystery Canisters, challenges students to modify three film canisters so that they have one that floats, one that sinks, and one that will remain suspended in the tub of tap water. Materials needed for the lab are: plastic tub of water (or the bottom half of a 2-liter soda bottle), three film canisters (free from Walmart, KMart, etc.), and an assortment of small objects (pennies, paperclips, marbles, etc.) for mass. Students will also need equipment to help them measure mass (triple-beam balance) and volume (graduated cylinders and overflow cans.)
Students are allowed a few minutes to create the three canisters that will (1) float, (2) sink, and (3) remain suspended. Students may have difficulty getting one of the cansisters perfectly suspended. If the students can get the canister to suspend with less than half of the lid above the surface, they should get numbers that result in a density close to 1.0 g/ml. Once the students have their canisters approved, they find the mass and volume of the canisters and calculate each density. They should notice that the floating vial has a density less than 1 g/ml, the sinking vial has a density greater than 1 g/ml, and the suspended vial has a density close to 1 g/ml.
Unit 2: The Scientific Method - I use a variety of lessons and activities to introduce students to the process of scientific inquiry. During the two days of the unit, we discuss the unit notes and students complete the “Drops on a Penny” lab. During the lab, students investigate cohesion as they try to fit as many drops of water as possible on one side of a penny. As we discuss the lab results, I ask students to identify the various steps involved in the experiment (hypotheis, testing, analysis, and conclusion) and challenge them to evaluate the reliability of the collected data. We also discuss safety rules for the science classroom to lay the “ground rules” for future lab work. I have also provided worksheets for Independent Investigations, which are used throughout the remainder of the school year to provide opportunities for students to use the scientific method.
Scientific Method Unit Notes - Scientific Method Notes (pdf) – The note worksheet I use to introduce a basic version of the “scientific method”. The download includes a student worksheet as well as an answer key that can be used to make an overhead master. This page is just one of the unit note pages. I have students staple other worksheets from this unit to the note page. At the end of the unit, they have a set of notes that will help them complete the unit review and prepare for the unit exam.
NOTE: I emphasize that there are several different versions of the “scientific method”. While there are similaries and differences between the scientific methods available, all the versions describe an organized process that helps us find answers to questions. The other worksheets provided for this unit may be adapted to fit the scientific method you use for your unit.
Drops on a Penny Lab Worksheet – Penny Lab (pdf)
The download includes a lab worksheet and teacher notes. I have also included information and worksheets for a demo I use to introduce the concepts of cohesion and surface tension prior to having my students complete the penny lab.
At Home Experiment Using the Scientific Method - Can Eggs Float on Water? (pdf)
The download includes a worksheet to assist students in filling out their science journal. This assignment is to be conducted at home on an individual basis. Random students will be called on to give an oral presentation to the class on their findings.
Supplemental Worksheets for the Scientific Method …
• Scientific Method Review Puzzle (pdf) – I use this crossword as a review page for my Scientific Method unit.
• Scientific Method Word Search (pdf) – I use this word search as an extra credit assignment. The page also includes a make-a-word challenge using the letters in “Scientific Method”.
Assessment on the scientific method unit is the completion of the worksheets and two science journals for the experiments.
Unit 3: Changes In Matter - For the next four weeks, we will be covering Science Core Standard 1 which is: Students will understand that chemical and physical changes occur in matter. I will provide a link to the lessons and experiments that I will be teaching during that week. Lessons may not be exactly as described because I am trying to integrate more reading and writing into the activities than would normally be the case. For the upcoming week, I will be covering the following concepts:
(10/19 thru 10/23): The science concepts that will be covered this week are:
(10/26 thru 10/30): The science concepts that will be covered this week are:
(11/2 thru 11/6): The science concepts that will be covered this week are: