International Leadership charter School / Unit 1: Scientific Inquiry
Stage 1 – Desired Results
Established Goals: Living Environment – 9th Grade
S1 / KI-1 - Use scientific inquiry and analysis to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions
RL.9-10.2 - Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
L.9-10.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
W.9-10.1- Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
W.9-10.7- Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem..Understandings:
Students will understand that…
Science and technology help us understand the world. Essential Questions:
What is the goal of science?
How does scientific theory develop?
How do scientists perform research?
How do scientists organize data?
Is Science accurate? How do we know that?
Students will know…(that)
Scientific questions may be answered by applying the scientific method.
Science is an organized way of explaining our natural environment.
Scientific Theories may be revised and edited as new reliable findings become available. Students will be able to…(skills)
Gather and utilize data to make conclusions
Design and conduct simple scientific research using the Scientific Method.
Interpret Data gathered from research and discuss its importance.
Write a list and discuss lab safety rules learned in class
State the parts of the Microscope and their function
Identify scientific measurement tools and their use.
Gather and utilize data to make conclusions
Design and conduct simple scientific research using the Scientific Method.
Interpret Data gathered from research and discuss its importance.
Establish co- relations and trends using graphs.
Stage 2- Assessment Evidence
Performance Tasks: (6 Facets of Understanding)
Successfully prepare a mounted wet slide.
Completing a Safety Rule Lab Report.
Taking 3 Assessment Quizzes, 1 Unit Exam
Designing a simple experiment with one controlled variable, using a rubric.
Maintaining a complete Unit Journal/ Plant’s growth Project Other Evidence: (Self Reflection)
Additional web based assignments utilizing the scientific method.
Regents practice questions on the subject.
Key Criteria:
Perform a group presentation, and hand in a written report on assigned research topic and defend their findings.
Use rubrics to evaluate and critique self and other students work.
Prepare a well written document illustrating their finding in a Scientific Research of their choice.
Utilize the steps of the Scientific Method to conduct a simple experiment, analyze their experimental