Chemical Tests
Lesson 13
Identifying the "Mystery Bag Chemical"
Students articulate the process they have used to solve the mystery of the goo. They apply their testing, observing, recording and analyzing skills to a new situation.
3. Lesson set up and Management
GLE 2.1.1 Understand how to ask questions about objects, organisms and events in the environment.
(3) Recognize the question being answered in an investigation.
GLE 2.1.2 Understand how to plan and conduct simple investigations following all safety rules.
GLE 2.1.3 Understand how to construct a reasonable explanation using evidence.
GLE 2.1.5 Understand how to report investigations and explanations of objects, events, systems and processes.
GLE 2.2.1 Understand that all scientific observations should be reported accurately and honestly even when the observations contradict expectations.
GLE 2.2.3 Understand why similar investigations may not produce similar results
GLE 2.2.4 Understand how to make the results of scientific investigations reliable.
- Students apply their testing, observing, recording and analyzing skills to a new situation, identifying the contents of the mystery bag introduced in Lesson 1.
3. Lesson set up and Management
Materials:
- Many teachers prefer to have a separate set of laminate unlabeled test mats. Rather than the backside of the 6 unknown solids mats.
- Remove the 6 unknown chemicals from student pails before this lesson.
- Have a parent helper check the student materials pails ahead of time to see if any of the remaining materials need to be restocked.
Student Management:
- This is the first time students are applying their skills to a new problem so more direct guidance may be needed from the teacher.
- Assign one partner to be the materials manager and have that student pick up the materials from the materials center after you model how to do it.
- Have a transparency of Record Sheet 13-A ready to show students and model how to use it correctly. Students will be using this format again for Lessons 14 and 16.
Writing Support:
- Students record their test results and conclusions on Record Sheet 13-A.
- Students can practice writing conclusion using their test results to support their thinking.
Reading Support:
- Read some selections from Stories to Solve by George Shannon to get some practice analyzing information to reach a conclusion.
- Give students a chance to try some logical reasoning problems like the example at the end of the lesson. This allows them to practice information that helps you eliminate ideas.
Math Support:
- Give students a chance to try some logical reasoning problems like the example at the end of the lesson. This allows them to practice information that helps you eliminate ideas.