Mystery Materials: Sense & Science Adventure!

5th Grade Project 2 weeks

Mystery Materials: Sense & Science Adventure!

Francesca Patterson

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage 5th-grade students in hands-on scientific inquiry by investigating the composition of mystery materials and understanding chemical changes. Students will use their senses and scientific tools to gather evidence, design experiments, and draw conclusions. Through collaboration and reflection, they will develop critical thinking and communication skills, culminating in an oral presentation to their peers. This project aims to foster curiosity and deepen understanding of scientific concepts through experiential learning, all within a focused one-week timeframe.

Learning goals

Students will learn to plan and carry out scientific investigations by using their senses and tools to identify mystery materials. They will develop skills in observing, hypothesizing, and analyzing evidence to determine the occurrence of chemical changes. Through collaboration and reflection, students will enhance their ability to communicate findings and improve experimental designs, ultimately gaining a deeper understanding of scientific inquiry and evidence-based reasoning. The project will be completed in a focused one-week period, allowing students to engage deeply with the material and refine their investigative skills efficiently.

Standards

NGSS - 5-PS1-3: Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.
NGSS - 5-PS1-4: Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.4: Report on a topic or text, present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes.

Products

Students will create a concise investigation report that includes their hypotheses, methods, observations, and conclusions about the mystery materials. They will also develop a brief visual presentation, such as a poster or digital slideshow, to share their findings with peers during the exhibition. Each group will prepare and deliver an oral presentation to explain their experimental process, results, and reflections on what they learned and how they might improve future investigations.

Launch

Begin the project with a condensed 'Mystery Material Discovery Day,' where students use their senses to explore different materials and make quick predictions about their composition. Set up stations with diverse mystery materials and provide simple tools like magnifying glasses. Have students jot down observations and initial thoughts in their science journals. Wrap up with a brief class discussion on how scientists use their senses to gather evidence, preparing students for their investigations in the coming days.

Exhibition

Students will present their findings to their peers through an engaging oral presentation, showcasing their investigative process and conclusions about the mystery material. Each group will display their experiment setup, share observations, and discuss the evidence that led to their conclusions about chemical changes. The exhibition will take place in the classroom, allowing for interactive peer feedback and questions, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Mystery Material Discovery - Students explore a variety of mystery materials using their senses and simple tools like magnifying glasses, jotting down observations and initial predictions in their science journals (20 min) Introduction to Scientific Investigation - Discuss how scientists use evidence to make conclusions and introduce the essential question for the project, focusing on identifying materials based on properties (20 min) Hypothesis Development - In small groups, students develop hypotheses about the composition of the mystery materials based on their observations and predictions (20 min)	Experiment Planning - Students plan their investigations to test their hypotheses by choosing appropriate methods and tools, ensuring alignment with NGSS standards (20 min) Conducting Investigations - Students carry out their planned experiments, observing and measuring the mystery materials to gather evidence (30 min) Group Reflection - In groups, students discuss their findings and reflect on the evidence gathered, considering any indications of chemical changes (10 min)	Data Analysis - Students analyze the data collected during their experiments and compare it with their initial hypotheses, identifying any chemical changes (20 min) Preparation for Exhibition - Groups create concise investigation reports and visual presentations to summarize their findings and conclusions (20 min) Peer Presentation Practice - Students practice their oral presentations in front of their peers, receiving feedback to improve communication and presentation skills (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Science Journal Entries with Observations and Predictions 2. Hypothesis and Experiment Plan 3. Data Collection and Initial Analysis Notes
Preparation	1. Gather a variety of safe, classroom-friendly mystery materials for student exploration. 2. Set up exploration stations with necessary materials like magnifying glasses and science journals. 3. Prepare a brief guide on scientific investigation steps and ensure availability of necessary experiment tools (e.g., beakers, measuring spoons, etc.). 4. Organize students into groups of three for collaborative work.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Experiment Refinement - Collaborate in groups to refine experimental designs based on peer feedback and initial findings, focusing on improving accuracy and reliability (20 min) Conducting Enhanced Investigations - Carry out refined experiments, utilizing improved methods and tools to collect more precise data and evidence (30 min) Initial Data Review - Begin analyzing new data, comparing it with previous results to assess any changes or confirmations of hypotheses (10 min)	Final Data Analysis - Complete the analysis of all collected data, focusing on identifying chemical changes and supporting or refuting initial hypotheses (20 min) Presentation Preparation - Work in groups to finalize investigation reports and develop visual presentations for the exhibition, ensuring clarity and coherence (20 min) Oral Presentation Practice - Rehearse oral presentations, focusing on clear communication of findings, and receive constructive peer feedback for improvement (20 min)	Exhibition Setup - Arrange experiment displays and visual aids in the classroom, preparing for the peer exhibition (10 min) Peer Exhibition - Present findings to peers, demonstrating the investigative process, results, and reflections on learning, while engaging in Q&A sessions (30 min) Group Reflection - Reflect on the entire project experience in groups, discussing what was learned, what could be improved, and how evidence-based reasoning was applied (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Finalized experiment plan with hypothesis, materials, and procedure outlined. 2. Completed data collection sheets from the experiment. 3. Visual presentation (poster or digital slideshow) with clear findings and analysis. 4. Prepared oral presentation for peer review.
Preparation	1. Gather and organize all experimental materials and tools needed for the investigations, including safety equipment. 2. Set up designated areas for each group to conduct their experiments safely. 3. Prepare templates for data collection and analysis to guide student observations and recordings. 4. Ensure access to resources for creating visual presentations (e.g., poster paper, markers, computers if using digital tools). 5. Arrange for a space and schedule for the final presentations, allowing each group to have sufficient time to present and receive feedback.