Lesson Plan
Working Scientifically Knowledge Check
An assessment task in which students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of how to work scientifically.
Assessment Plan
Tuning In
- Students watch and listen to the Krazy Kristian’s Science Show video on YouTube. After the clip, discuss with the students:
- the scientific method and the steps taken by Professor Paul and Krazy Kristian
- the importance of recording data in scientific investigations
- examples of natural materials and processed materials.
Teacher Instruction
- Explain to the students that they will be undertaking a knowledge check for the scientific method. Distribute the Working Scientifically Knowledge Check Worksheet to the students and read through the sections as a class. Ensure that the students understand that they will be answering questions about:
- identifying investigable questions
- making predictions based on prior knowledge
- using equipment safely
- making and recording accurate observations
- organising data in tables and graphs
- identifying patterns in data
- suggesting explanations for observations
- comparing findings with predictions
- giving reasons for fair/unfair tests
- communicating observations and findings.
Guided/Independent Learning
- Students are to undertake the knowledge check individually and in silence. There should not be a time frame set for this knowledge check.
Wrapping Up
- Collect the worksheets for marking once all students have completed the knowledge check. Encourage on-topic conversations to help consolidate existing knowledge among the students.
Differentiation
Extending Students
- Encourage more confident students to lead discussions on various sections of the knowledge check once they have been collected.
Supporting Students
- Those students who may struggle with the knowledge check can sit with the teacher or teacher aide and have each section further explained for clarity.
Assessment Strategies
Suggested Assessment Strategies
- used strategic whole class or individual questioning
- observed student participation during learning activities
- recorded student progress on a checklist
- annotated student work samples
- collected and reviewed student work samples
- facilitated whole class or peer feedback sessions
- encouraged student self-reflection
- administered formal assessment tasks.
NSW Curriculum alignment
- ST2-1WS-S
Questions, plans and conducts scientific investigations, collects and summarises data and communicates using scientific representations
- ST2-11DI-T
Describes how digital systems represent and transmit data
- ST2-1WS-S
Questions, plans and conducts scientific investigations, collects and summarises data and communicates using scientific representations
- ST2-11DI-T
Describes how digital systems represent and transmit data
Australian Curriculum alignment
- ACSHE061
Science involves making predictions and describing patterns and relationships
- ACSHE062
Science knowledge helps people to understand the effect of their actions
- ACSIS071
Represent and communicate observations, ideas and findings using formal and informal representations
- ACSIS069
Reflect on investigations, including whether a test was fair or not
- ACSIS216
Compare results with predictions, suggesting possible reasons for findings
- ACSIS066
Consider the elements of fair tests and use formal measurements and digital technologies as appropriate, to make and record observations accurately
- ACSIS064
With guidance, identify questions in familiar contexts that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on prior knowledge
- ACSIS068
Use a range of methods including tables and simple column graphs to represent data and to identify patterns and trends
- ACSIS065
With guidance, plan and conduct scientific investigations to find answers to questions, considering the safe use of appropriate materials and equipment
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