East Detroit Public Schools
Lesson Design
Author: Lynn Dawson and Mary Jankowski
Subject: Science
Grade: 7th grade
Title: What Is a Scientist
Length of Unit: Two to three class periods
Materials Need:
Power Macintosh G3 computer
Internet access
printers
large T.V. monitor or projection system
PowerPoint (software program)
CD-ROMs:
Inventor Labs
reference programs
Standards-Based Outcomes (MDE):
Science:
II. Reflect on the Nature, Adequacy and Connections Across Scientific Knowledge
Content Standard II, 1: All students will analyze claims for their scientific merit and explain how scientists decide what constitutes scientific knowledge; how science is related to other ways of knowing; how science and technology affect our society; and how people of diverse cultures have contributed to and influenced developments in science. (Reflecting on Scientific Knowledge)
1. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments, or data.
5. Recognize the contributions made in science by cultures and individuals of diverse backgrounds.
Prior Knowledge:
- Students must have some idea of what a scientist does.
- Students must have experience doing Internet research.
- Students must have experience using the PowerPoint software program.
Cue Set:
- To begin, the teacher shows a stylized picture of a scientist holding a flask filled with a colorful liquid and a monster's face and asks three questions.
- Who is this person?
- What does a person like this do?
- Why is this person important?
- The students answer the three questions and describe what they see in writing. After their writing is completed, the students share their comments with the class.
Best Shot Instruction:
- After the initial discussion, the students research the functions of scientists. They begin in a whole class group with the Inventor Lab CD-ROM and the large screen projection system or TV monitor. From the program, the students will gather the same information about scientists and discover that their abilities range from inventing flying machines to finding cures for diseases.
- Next, the students work individually at the computers in the lab. They use reference CD-ROMs and the Internet to research the roles of scientists. They record any information about scientists which surprises them.
- After the students complete their research, they create posters or PowerPoint shows with graphics that explain their new definitions. Their work must include the information they found surprising, as well as any other interesting facts.
- Finally the students present their projects to the class for discussion. Afterwards they complete both peer and self-evaluations.
Reteaching and Enrichment:
- The PowerPoint presentations serve as reinforcement of what the students learn through their research.
- The teacher also creates and presents a PowerPoint slide show to use for reteaching.
Review and Closure:
The class shares journal articles about professionals in the field of science to emphasize that scientists are very diverse in cultures as well as professions. The students can research specific science professions and create additional PowerPoint presentations for extra credit.
Assessment:
- The students present their PowerPoint projects to exhibit their understanding. The peer and self-evaluations aid the teacher in grading them.
- The students submit copies of their writings from the original discussion along with the copies of their presentations. The work should show a new and expanded understanding of the definition and roles of scientists.