LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Goal 1

The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.

Objective 1.04

Analyze variables in scientific investigations:

  • Identify dependent and independent.
  • Use of a Control.
  • Manipulate.
  • Describe relationships between.
  • Define operationally.

Resources aligned to this objective

The effects of acid rain on the environment
This is an experiment in which groups of students are given healthy plants to water with different solutions of an acid rain mixture made in class. Students will document and present their findings. This lesson plan has modifications for an Intermediate Low English Language Learner (ESL student).
Format: lesson plan (grade 7 English Language Development and Science)
By Helen Beall and Heather Hughes-Buchanan.
Investigating evaporation
Students will investigate evaporation as a cooling process. They will witness that temperature is affected by moisture content and the process of evaporation. Next, they will explore websites related to the processes of evaporation and condensation. Students will apply gained knowledge to real-life situations, and will share their new knowledge with a person outside the classroom.
Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Science)
By Jessica Bohn.
Salt trading in Asia
In this interdisciplinary lesson, students explore the mineral salt from a variety of perspectives — scientific, geographic, and cultural. The lesson incorporates images of salt production in Nepal and Vietnam, and may be used with grade 4 or grade 7.
Format: (grade 4 and 7 Science, Healthful Living Education, Information Skills, English Language Arts, and Social Studies)
By Edie McDowell.

Lesson plans on the web

Asymmetry and aggression
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a study that has found a link between aggression and body symmetry that may go back to the womb. (Learn more)
Format: activity (grade 6–8 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Cell phones & driving
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about how cell phones could cause tunnel vision in drivers. Research indicates that when someone is talking on a phone, their vision narrows considerably. (Learn more)
Format: activity (grade 6–8 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Drug cravings
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about new research in rats that reveals why staying off drugs can be so difficult. (Learn more)
Format: activity (grade 6–8 Science and Healthful Living Education)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
How scientists study aging
In this lesson, students will explore a website to learn how scientists are studying the relationship between aging and caloric restriction. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 7–8 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Introducing atoms
In this lesson from Science NetLinks, students will be asked to review websites to learn about the atom's basic structure and the positive and negative charges of its subparticles. This is the first of a series of four lessons about static electricity. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 7–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Inventing and presenting unit 1: Analyzing nonfiction and inventing solutions
Students read about inventors, propose inventions to solve problems they have identified, and build and test their inventions. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 English Language Arts and Science)
Provider: IRA/NCTE
Inventing and presenting unit 2: Effective speeches and building the invention
Students read about inventors, propose inventions to solve problems they have identified, and build and test their inventions. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 English Language Arts and Science)
Provider: IRA/NCTE
Inventing and presenting unit 3: Persuasive speaking and invention promotion
Students read about inventors, propose inventions to solve problems they have identified, and build and test their inventions. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 English Language Arts and Science)
Provider: IRA/NCTE
JFK analysis
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students will hear atmospheric chemist Ken Rahn describe how he and a ballistics specialist have re-analyzed the data from two major forensic studies of the John F. Kennedy assassination. (Learn more)
Format: activity (grade 6–8 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Lying
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks students hear about how people generally see their own lies as being less harmful and more due to situation and not personality, while they are more likely to blame personality if another person lies. (Learn more)
Format: activity (grade 6–8 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Modern Leeching
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students will hear about how leeches, popular in medicine in the 1800s, are still used by doctors today, sometimes for safely removing congested blood from a wound. (Learn more)
Format: activity (grade 6–8 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Mummy's curse
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a scientific investigation that tested the Egyptian legend of the mummy's curse. (Learn more)
Format: activity (grade 6–8 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Robotic arm
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear about a real-life robotic arm that may help stroke victims regain control of their movement. (Learn more)
Format: activity (grade 6–7 and 9–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Sanitation and human health
The purpose of this Science NetLinks lesson is to develop an understanding of the impact of improved sanitation on human health. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Sardines
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about how the humble sardine could save the lives of countless sea creatures. Science Updates are audio interviews with scientists and are accompanied by a set of questions as well as links to helpful web resources. (Learn more)
Format: activity (grade 6–8 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
School bus fumes
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about how the exhaust from a school bus affects the bus passengers. (Learn more)
Format: activity (grade 7 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Similarities attract
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a study showing that genetic similarities may play a role in how people choose their friends and mates. (Learn more)
Format: activity (grade 6–8 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science