Overview for Science Term 3

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Name of Project: What’s the Matter? Duration: 5 weeks
Subject/Course: Science, Literacy, Teacher(s): Kate, Veronica, Michael Grade Level: Stage 2
Other subject areas to be included, if any:
Maths and Art
Significant Content
(CCSS and/or others)
ST2-4WS
 Students conduct investigations by using a range of methods to record observations and measurements with care and honesty, including data obtained.
 Students process and analyse data and information by sharing their findings, reflecting on the investigation, including whether a test was fair or not.
 Students communicate by sharing what they did and found out, including identifying some strengths and limitations of the method used and what could be done
differently to improve their investigation, including fairness as appropriate.
21st Century Competencies
(to be taught and assessed)
Collaboration X Creativity and Innovation
Communication X Other:
Critical Thinking
Project Summary
(include student role, issue,
problem or challenge, action
taken, and
purpose/beneficiary)
The Students will conduct a fair test, focusing on solids, liquids and gases. The students are to choose a topic to focus on, keep a
journal and then prepare a presentation suitable for a science fair. Each student will participate in a small group that will conduct
the experiment. They will also write a procedure, which will show how their fair test was conducted.
Driving Question What Experiment on solids, liquids and gases could we share at a science fair?
Entry Event Book the Science Lab and take a tour of it. Have a range of simple activities that involve changing states of matter that the kids
can try out for themselves.
Products Individual:
Procedure Writing
Journal Writing
Specific content and competencies to be assessed:
 Write unassisted, a procedure based on the experiment/ fair
test that they have completed with their group.
 Complete a journal detailing their experiment.
Team:
Science Fair Presentation
Specific content and competencies to be assessed:
 Conduct a fair test
 Discuss their findings with an audience
 Active Listening skills

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Public Audience
(Experts, audiences, or
product users students
will engage with during/at
end of project)
University of Wollongong, Peers and Teachers who will evaluate their work
Resources Needed On-site people, facilities:
Science lab, Science technician and Computer Labs
Equipment: Safety goggles, Plastic containers of various sizes, Plastic sheets, cardboard, art supplies, iPods, cameras, small plastic
bags, pipe cleaners, string
Materials: Diet Coke, Hydrogen Peroxide, yeast, food colouring, mentos, detergent, vinegar, baking powder
Community Resources:
University of Wollongong,
Reflection Methods
(Individual, Team, and/or
Whole Class)
Journal/Learning Log X Focus Group
Whole-Class Discussion Fishbowl Discussion
Survey X Other:
Exit Ticket
X
Notes:
 crystal geodes
 Baking soda and vinegar
 Mentos and Coca Cola

a

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P R O J E C T D E S I G N : S T U D E N T L E A R N I N G G U I D E
Project: What’s the Matter?
Driving Question: What Experiment on solids, liquids and gases could we share at a science fair?
Final Product(s)
Presentations,
Performances, Products
and/or Services
Learning Outcomes/Targets
content & 21st century competencies
needed by students to successfully
complete products
Checkpoints/Formative Assessments
to check for learning and ensure
students are on track
Instructional Strategies for All Learners
provided by teacher, other staff, experts; includes
scaffolds, materials, lessons aligned to learning
outcomes and formative assessments
(individual and
team)
Procedure Writing
I can conduct a fair
test to show the
properties of matter
I know what a fair test 1. Summary of resources
2. Science journal
3. Exit ticket
 Teacher model of note taking and
journal writing
 Teacher model of fair test /video
I know what matter is and can identify the
properties of a solid, liquid or gas
1. Science journal
2. Reflective journal writing
3. Quiz/ Exit ticket
 Teacher model research and note taking
 Videos
I can explain my experiment using evidence 1. Outline of report
2. Draft of report/ peer feedback
3. Teacher Conference
 Teacher model of summary
 Writer’s workshop
Science Fair
Presentation
I can report on a
topic in a logical
way to support my
ideas
I can use visual aids to enhance the content and
message of my presentation
I can respond to audience questions clearly.
1. Draft of visual aids (peer/ teacher
feedback)
2. Practice Presentation
3. Charrette
 Examination of exemplar visual aids
 Watch a video
 Questioning techniques with partner
practice.
 Model a charrette
I demonstrate active listening skills 1. Active listening/ Peer feedback
2. Self-reflection
 Model listening skills and then practice
with a partner.