PI: Scientific Processes and Inquiry

PI.2: Classifying establishes order. Objects, organisms, and events are classified based on similarities, differences, and interrelationships. The student will accomplish these objectives to meet this process standard.

PI.2.1: Classify a set of simple objects, familiar organisms, and/or observable events by observable properties (e.g., graphic organizers, t-charts, tables, and Venn diagrams).

Mineral Identification

PI.3: Experimenting is a method of discovering information. It requires making observations and measurements to test ideas. Inquiry can be defined as the skills necessary to carry out the process of scientific or systemic thinking. In order for inquiry to occur, students must have the opportunity to ask a question, formulate a procedure, and observe phenomena. The student will accomplish these objectives to meet this process standard.

PI.3.2: Plan and conduct a simple investigation.

Diffusion
Pendulum Clock
Real-Time Histogram

PI.4: Interpreting is the process of recognizing patterns in collected data by making inferences, predictions, or conclusions. Communicating is the process of describing, recording, and reporting experimental procedures and results to others. Communication may be oral, written, or mathematical and includes organizing ideas, using appropriate vocabulary, graphs, other visual representations, and mathematical equations. The student will accomplish these objectives to meet this process standard.

PI.4.1: Interpret tables, pictorial, and/or simple bar graphs.

Prairie Ecosystem

PI.4.2: Recognize and describe patterns, then make predictions based on patterns.

Pattern Finder

1: Describe characteristics of objects based on physical properties such as size, shape, color, or texture. Vibration of materials causes sound. The student will engage in investigations that integrate the process standards and lead to the discovery of the following objectives:

1.1: Objects can be described in terms of the materials of which they are made. Mixtures and solutions can be separated (i.e., sand and marbles, salt and water).

Mineral Identification

1.2: Sound is produced by vibrations (i.e., pitch and loudness).

Longitudinal Waves

1.3: Sound travels through air, water, and/or solids.

Longitudinal Waves

2: All living things have structures that enable them to function in unique and specific ways to obtain food, reproduce, and survive. The student will engage in investigations that integrate the process standards and lead to the discovery of the following objectives:

2.3: All animals depend on plants. Some animals eat plants for food. Other animals consume animals that eat the plants.

2.3.a: The primary source of energy in a food chain is the sun.

Prairie Ecosystem

3: Earth materials consist of rock, soils, water, and air. The student will engage in investigations that integrate the process standards and lead to the discovery of the following objectives:

3.1: Rocks and minerals have similarities and differences (i.e., size of particles, color pattern, and layering).

Mineral Identification

3.3: Earth exerts a force called gravity which attracts objects, pulling them toward Earth?s center.

Free Fall Tower
Gravitational Force
Pith Ball Lab