Material Magic: Science Show & Tell!

5th Grade Project 2 weeks

Material Magic: Science Show & Tell!

Samantha Koller

3-5.AF.1.3

3-5.AF.3.2

3-5.AF.6.3

3-5.AF.8.5

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

+ 3 more

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Purpose

This project aims to engage 5th-grade students in a hands-on exploration of science materials, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By researching, demonstrating, and presenting their findings, students will deepen their understanding of scientific principles and their real-world applications. The experience encourages collaboration, effective communication, and personal reflection, culminating in a community-focused exhibition that highlights the practical impact of science in everyday life.

Learning goals

Students will develop critical thinking skills by formulating research questions and predicting outcomes based on material properties. They will enhance their content expertise through hands-on exploration and application of scientific concepts. Effective communication will be practiced as students present their findings and receive feedback, while collaboration will be fostered through co-designing projects and peer review sessions.

Standards

[Next Generation Science Standards] 3-5.AF.1.3 - Ask questions that can be investigated and predict reasonable outcomes based on patterns such as cause and effect relationships.
[Next Generation Science Standards] 3-5.AF.3.2 - Evaluate appropriate methods and/or tools for collecting data.
[Next Generation Science Standards] 3-5.AF.6.3 - Identify the evidence that supports particular points in an explanation.
[Next Generation Science Standards] 3-5.AF.8.5 - Communicate scientific and/or technical information orally and/or in written formats, including various forms of media as well as tables, diagrams, and charts.

Competencies

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.

Products

Students will create interactive booths for a 'Science Material Expo,' where they will present hands-on demonstrations and informative displays about their chosen materials. They will also prepare TED-style talks for the 'Material Masters Showcase,' articulating their research and findings. Additionally, students will design and host a community science walk with interactive stations, demonstrating the practical applications of their materials in everyday life. These products will showcase their understanding and communication skills, engaging both peers and community members.

Launch

Begin the project with a dynamic 'Material Mystery Day,' where students participate in an engaging scavenger hunt to uncover various science materials hidden around the classroom. This activity will ignite curiosity and excitement, setting the stage for their research journey. Students will collaborate in small groups to solve clues and discover materials, fostering teamwork and sparking initial questions about the properties and uses of each item they find.

Exhibition

Organize a 'Science Material Expo' where students create interactive booths to showcase their chosen materials through hands-on demonstrations and informative displays. Invite parents, community members, and peers to explore the expo, engaging with students as they communicate their research findings and practical applications. Additionally, host a 'Material Masters Showcase' with TED-style presentations, allowing students to articulate their learning journey and the significance of their chosen material to an audience.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Material Mystery Day - Engage in a scavenger hunt to discover science materials hidden in the classroom, fostering curiosity and teamwork (45 min)	Research Question Formulation - Work in groups to brainstorm and formulate research questions about the chosen material's properties and uses, aligning with core content standards (20 min) Initial Research - Begin researching the chosen material using library resources and digital tools, focusing on gathering data to answer formulated questions (25 min)	Predicting Outcomes - Discuss in groups to predict reasonable outcomes of using the chosen material based on observed patterns and properties (15 min) Research and Data Collection - Continue gathering information, focusing on identifying credible sources and appropriate methods for data collection (30 min)	Organize Findings - Compile research data and start organizing it into charts, tables, or diagrams to support explanations (20 min) Begin Experimentation - Develop a simple experiment or demonstration plan to test and showcase one key property or use of the material (25 min)	Experiment Setup - Prepare materials and equipment needed for the demonstration, ensuring safety measures are in place (20 min) Conduct Initial Demonstration - Perform a trial run of the experiment or demonstration and record observations and results (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Reflection Journal Entry: Students document their research questions, data collected, and initial evidence. 2. Feedback Summary: A summary of peer feedback received and planned adjustments.
Preparation	1. Prep materials for scavenger hunt: clues, hidden science materials, and location map. 2. Provide research tools: internet access, science books, and data collection sheets. 3. Prepare reflection journals for each student to document their learning journey. 4. Set up peer feedback guidelines and a structured format for presentations.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Experiment Refinement - Review trial demonstration results and refine the experiment plan for clarity and accuracy, integrating peer feedback (25 min) Evidence Compilation - Gather and organize evidence supporting findings in preparation for final presentation, using charts and diagrams (20 min)	Presentation Design - Develop an engaging presentation format using multimedia tools to communicate scientific information effectively (30 min) Peer Review Panel - Rotate through peers' presentations to offer constructive feedback on clarity and engagement, focusing on effective communication (15 min)	Final Demonstration Preparation - Set up materials and practice the final demonstration, ensuring all safety procedures are followed (20 min) Reflection Journal Entry - Document personal insights and growth throughout the project, reflecting on learning targets and competencies achieved (25 min)	Material Masters Showcase Rehearsal - Conduct a full rehearsal of TED-style talks, incorporating peer and teacher feedback for improvement (25 min) Interactive Booth Setup - Arrange interactive booth displays for Science Material Expo, ensuring informative and engaging presentation (20 min)	Science Material Expo - Present interactive booths and demonstrations to peers, teachers, and community members, showcasing research and practical applications (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed booth display with visual aids. 2. Finalized script for TED-style talk. 3. Revised presentation based on peer and teacher feedback. 4. Interactive booth setup for Science Material Expo. 5. TED-style presentation at Material Masters Showcase.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for booth displays (posters, markers, charts, etc.). 2. Prepare feedback prompts for peer review sessions. 3. Schedule teacher checkpoint sessions. 4. Arrange venue and logistics for the Science Material Expo and Showcase. 5. Ensure availability of audio-visual equipment for presentations.