Collision Course (Part 2)
Lesson 3 of 4
Objective: SWBAT conduct an experiment, collect data, and draw conclusions about the changes in energy that occur when objects collide.
I make sure to leave all the materials the groups have asked for in plain sight as early as possible to build anticipation for this lesson.
I bring my students attention to the data table, and ask them to consider what they will write in each heading. I call on each table, and have them share their variable and outcome. This allows me to make sure they are set up to have a successful experiment, it refocuses their attention on the vocabulary of variable and outcome, and gives students an opportunity to hear other ways groups are addressing the question.
Before they begin testing, I explain that a prediction should talk about a relationship between the variable and the outcome. I give them time to discuss their prediction, then write it down in their science notebooks.
After reviewing our group expectations, I have them get their materials and start testing their ideas. As they test, I remind them to make observations and record data, encourage participation from everyone, and keep them focused on answering their scientific question.
As groups get to their conclusions, I review the expectations for supporting claims with evidence using the Supporting Claims with Evidence Rubric.
I end this lesson by having each student share their conclusions with members of other groups. This is a good entry point for critiquing the arguments of others.
Finally, I collect a sample of student notebooks to check for understanding.