Introduction to the Investigation

Purpose of the Investigation
The overall purpose of the investigation is to integrate scientific inquiry and technology. Specifically, our project asks meaningful questions and requires careful investigations. In keeping with the Science content standards, this was accomplished at each grade level in the following ways:

First Grade
The students will:
a. draw pictures that portray some features of the thing being described
b. record observations and data with pictures, numbers, and/or written statements
c. record observations on a bar graph
d. describe the relative position of objects using two references

Second Grade
The students will:
a. make predictions based on patterns of observation rather than random guessing
b. measure length, weight, temperature, and liquid volume with appropriate tools and express measurements in standard units
c. compare and sort common objects based on two or more physical attributes
d. construct bar graphs to record data using appropriately labeled axes

Third Grade
The students will:
a. repeat observations to improve accuracy, and know that the results of similar scientific investigations seldom turn out exactly the same because of differences in the things being investigated, methods being used, or uncertainty in the observation.
b. differentiate evidence from opinion, and know that scientists do not rely on claims or conclusions unless they are backed by observations that can be confirmed.
c. use numerical data in describing and comparing objects, events, and measurements
d. predict the outcome of a simple investigation, and compare the result to the prediction
e. collect data in an investigation and analyze them to develop a logical conclusion

Fourth Grade
The students will:
a. differentiate observation from inference (interpretation), and know that scientists’ explanations come partly from what they observe and partly from how they interpret their observations
b. measure and estimate weight, length of objects
c. formulate predictions and justify predictions based on cause and effect relationships
d. conduct multiple trials to test a prediction and draw conclusions about the relationships between results and predictions
e. follow a set of written instructions for a scientific investigation

Fifth Grade
The students will:
a. develop a testable question
b. plan and conduct a simple investigation based on a student-developed question, and write instructions others can follow to carry out the procedure
c. identify the dependent and controlled variables in an investigation
d. identify a single independent variable in a scientific investigation and explain what will be learned by collecting data on this variable
e. select appropriate tools and make quantitative observations
f. record data using appropriate graphic representations and make inferences based on those data
g. draw conclusions based on scientific evidence and indicate whether further information is needed to support a specific conclusion
h. write a report of an investigation that includes tests conducted, data collected or evidence examined, and conclusions drawn





Placement in the Curriculum
Integrate across the curriculum within science, language arts, matter, technology, and social studies.