SHS1 General Science · Semester 1 Week 2: Science and Materials in Nature

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.1.1.LI.2 - Design projects using the characteristics of science

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Identify and list the key characteristics of science (empirical, systematic, replicable, tentative, objective, and evidence-based) from prior lessons and new research.
Work in mixed-ability groups to brainstorm and select a project idea that addresses a real-life problem in their community.
Design a simple science project plan that explicitly shows how at least three characteristics of science are applied.
Present their project design to the class, explaining which characteristics of science guided their decisions.
Critically evaluate another group’s project using the characteristics of science as criteria.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Exploring Materials (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Science and Materials in Nature (1.1)
Content standard: 1.1.1.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of science and show how they are applied in everyday life. 1.1.1.LO.1 Evaluate the characteristics of science. -
Indicator: 1.1.1.LI.2 - Design projects using the characteristics of science
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 2 (Week 2 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 27

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Work individually and in mixed-ability groups to design various science characteristics-based projects using books, the internet and other sources and demonstrate how the characteristics of science are used in the design.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Internet resources such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
- Projectors
- Poster pictures showing scenarios in which the characteristics of science are displayed. (E.g. https://evolution.berkeley.edu/nature-of-science/characteristics-of-science/and https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/list )
Assessment (1.1.1.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning.