Submitted by: Beth Lewis and Katie Moorman
School: Holman Middle School
Summary
These lessons are a part of an overall unit on scientific method. This culminating group product synthesizes student knowledge on this unit of study and has groups of students working together to solve a problem using the scientific method. Students will work collaboratively to design a lab experiment that will help solve a real world problem of how to prevent apples from turning brown when cut. Leading up to the actual experiment phase, students researched scientifically why apples turn brown when cut and investigated methods of apple preservation. From their background research, the group hypothesized which methods of preservation would best prevent the apples from turning brown. Next they designed their experiment by selecting appropriate independent and dependent variables, constants, and controls. Once they determined what materials were needed to conduct the investigation, procedures were written to implement the lab experiment. Students had to communicate during the group planning time in class, but could also communicate outside of class time via edmodo and school space. Upon completion of the planning phase, students conducted the experiment; recorded data collected, and summarized their findings in a graph and written conclusion. The final lab report was submitted as evidence of this critical thinking and problem solving experience.
TIPC Ratings
Students were required to research different techniques to keep an apple from turning brown with teacher provided resources. Since this was not the focus of the lesson the teacher facilitated the process through discussion with student groups as they worked through setting up their experiment.
Although this was not the focus of the lesson students communicated within the class through the creation process developing collaborative strategies to accomplish the experiment they created. Students also utilized edmodo as a communication tool to organize themselves outside of the classroom environment.
Some students took risks by selecting products which had not been introduced as a standard “fruit fresh” agent but based on the knowledge of the product thought it would a successful trial. Although the end product did not focus on creating an original product the experiment stretched students to create new ideas based on prior knowledge.
Student Artifact
