Title: Designing a Testable Experiment about Our Community

Grade Level: 6-8

Time: 70 minutes

Main Objective: Students will design a testable experiment about a question concerning their community.

Materials: - Chart paper and markers - Index cards - Pencils and paper - Computers or tablets with internet access - Science journals or notebooks

Engage (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by asking students to brainstorm questions they have about their community. Write their ideas on chart paper. 2. Facilitate a class discussion about the importance of conducting experiments to find answers to questions. 3. Introduce the concept of a testable experiment and explain that students will have the opportunity to design their own experiment about a question concerning their community.

Explore (20 minutes): 1. Divide students into small groups and provide each group with index cards. 2. Instruct students to choose one question from the brainstormed list that they would like to investigate further. 3. Ask each group to write their chosen question on an index card and share it with the class. 4. Encourage students to discuss and refine their questions based on feedback from their peers and the teacher.

Explain (15 minutes): 1. Provide a brief overview of the scientific method, emphasizing the importance of designing a testable experiment. 2. Discuss the key components of a testable experiment, including the independent and dependent variables, control group, and experimental group. 3. Model the process of designing a testable experiment using a question from the class. Emphasize the importance of clear and specific variables, controls, and measurable outcomes.

Elaborate (20 minutes): 1. In their small groups, instruct students to design their own testable experiment based on their chosen question. 2. Encourage students to consider the materials and resources they will need for their experiment. 3. Provide access to computers or tablets with internet access for students to research and gather information related to their experiment. 4. Circulate the room to provide guidance and support as students work on their experiment designs.

Evaluate (5 minutes): 1. Have each group share their experiment design with the class. 2. Encourage students to provide constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement. 3. Assess students’ understanding of the scientific method and their ability to design a testable experiment based on their chosen question.

Extension Activity: 1. Assign students to conduct their experiments outside of class and record their observations and results in their science journals or notebooks. 2. In a subsequent lesson, have students present their findings to the class and discuss the implications for their community.

Note: This lesson plan can be modified for different grade levels by adjusting the complexity of the questions and experiment designs.