The teacher should be
familiar with Internet research and locate several different sites on the
Scientific Method in order to be able to direct any students who are struggling,
to a specific location. Lesson 2 Science Fair Scientific Method
One 1 hour class period
Instructional Objectives
Students will become familiar with several presentations of the scientific method by doing Internet research on the subject using three different search methods, and they will determine how each component of the scientific method relates to the steps in their projects.
Advanced Preparation/Prerequisite Knowledge
The teacher should be
familiar with Internet research and locate several different sites on the
Scientific Method in order to be able to direct any students who are struggling,
to a specific location.
Set the default
opening screen to a search engine site like MSN or Google, since students will be using three
different search methods. Many schools set their default for Google or
their district website. If you do not have the option of changing this be sure
that you know how to guide the students to get to a browser with search
capabilities that you are familiar with.
Have additional copies
of the assignment sheet which includes the steps of the scientific method
available for students to compare their findings.
Teacher should be familiar with how to use the internet
with students. (If you need help with this see "What is the Internet" at "Inside
Out- A PowerPoint Exploration of Seven Human Body Systems", lesson one, at the
TeachNet.org site.)
Materials
Computers with internet access
Computer rules either posted or in a hand out.
Additional
copies of the scientific method from the assignment sheet.
Procedures
1. Have students go to the computers. Depending on the number of computers you have available, students may work in pairs or in triads. If you have only a couple of computers have students alternate using them throughout the day. You may also do this in the computer lab.
2. Students will initiate an Internet search.
3. Have students go to either Internet Explorer or Netscape to access the Internet.
4. The first search method they will use will be with your default browser.
5. In the search window have students type in "scientific method".
6. Have each child read through several sites and pick one that they like.
7. Have students bookmark that site in their folder. (See Lesson 1 for book marking instructions)
8. Next, have students click on the Search button in the tool bar at the top of the screen.
9. In the search box at the left side of the screen have them type in "scientific method".
10. They may get the same sites but what will be different about this kind of search is that they will be able to see a thumbnail of the website.
11. Have them choose a thumbnail that looks interesting to them and then book mark that site in their folders.
12. Next have students use the address bar to type in "www.dogpile.com". Dogpile is a metasearch engine. Students will see results from many search engines and will realize they have many more choices.
13. Once they are at Dogpile, (children really like the name of this site since at this age gross is very cool, and I do take the time to make sure they know what a dogpile implies) have them type in "scientific method" and review the results of the search.
14. Have each child read through at least two selections from each search engine and choose one or two that they particularly like.
15. Once they have bookmarked their selections have them go back in and open the bookmarks.
A. In Internet Explorer go to Favorites and select the appropriate folder from the list.
B. Double click to open the folder.
C. Open each bookmarked site.
D. Go to file print
E. Repeat for each bookmarked site
A. In Netscape go to Bookmarks and select the appropriate folder from the list.
B. Double click to open folder.
C. Open each bookmarked site.
D. Go to file, print.
E. Repeat for each bookmarked site.
16. Once they have the sites printed, they may will need to compare them.
17. Students are free to combine them, or choose one, however the authenticity of the site needs to be verified by the teacher. You want to teach the scientific method, not a shortcut or inaccurate version. Therefore the student will need to report his or her findings and decision to you at the biweekly conference. The minimum number of steps is what is on the assignment sheet
Extensions
Students may do the comparison as homework.
Assessment
Student who are successful will present their findings to you as a completed assignment.
Assessment is also ongoing throughout the process of locating relevant websites.
