**Lesson Plan: Introduction to Scientific Inquiry**
**Grade Level:** 3rd Grade
**Subject:** Science
**Duration:** 60 minutes
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**Objective:**
Students will understand the basics of scientific inquiry, including asking questions, making predictions (hypotheses), conducting simple experiments, and drawing conclusions based on their observations.
**Materials:**
- Science journals or notebooks
- Pencils/pens
- Chart paper and markers
- Simple materials for experiments (e.g., baking soda, vinegar, balloons, small plastic cups)
- Magnifying glasses
- Worksheets for observations and conclusions
**Standards:**
Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
- 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
- 3-LS2-1: Construct an argument that some animals form groups that help members survive.
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**Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. **Hook:** Show a short, engaging video clip about a scientist making an exciting discovery.
2. **Discussion:** Ask students what they think scientists do and list their ideas on the chart paper.
3. **Explain:** Introduce the term "scientific inquiry" and explain that it’s a way scientists study the world – by asking questions and finding answers.
**Guided Practice (15 minutes):**
1. **Question Formation:** Discuss how good scientific questions are based on observations and curiosity about the world.
2. **Activity:** In pairs, students come up with one scientific question about an everyday observable phenomenon (e.g., What happens when vinegar is mixed with baking soda?).
3. **Prediction Hypothesis:** Teach students that scientists make educated guesses called hypotheses. Have pairs write down their hypotheses for their questions.
**Experiment and Exploration (20 minutes):**
1. **Demonstration:** Show students a simple science experiment (e.g., mixing baking soda and vinegar to blow up a balloon).
- Materials: Vinegar, baking soda, plastic bottle, balloon.
- Procedure: Pour vinegar into the bottle, use a funnel to add baking soda to the balloon, attach the balloon to the bottle's mouth, and observe what happens.
2. **Student Experiment:** Provide materials for each pair to conduct their own simple version of the experiment related to their questions.
- Monitor and assist as students conduct their experiments and record their observations in their science journals.
**Conclusion (10 minutes):**
1. **Discussion and Reflection:** Bring the class together and ask pairs to share their experiments, observations, and whether their hypothesis was correct or not.
2. **Drawing Conclusions:** Discuss how scientists use their observations to make conclusions and sometimes must revise their hypotheses based on what they learn.
3. **Record Keeping:** Ensure students understand the importance of keeping detailed records of their experiments.
**Assessment (5 minutes):**
1. **Exit Ticket:** Have students write one thing they learned about scientific inquiry and one new question they have about the world.
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**Extensions:**
- **Homework:** Students can come up with another scientific question to investigate at home with their parents, using simple household items.
- **Extra Reading:** Provide a list of recommended children's books about famous scientists and their discoveries.
- **Advanced Activity:** Encourage students to use digital tools to document their experiments and share them with the class.
**Differentiation:**
- **For Advanced Learners:** Allow them to design a more complex experiment involving multiple variables.
- **For Struggling Learners:** Pair them with more knowledgeable peers or provide additional scaffolding through visual aids and guided questions.
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By the end of this lesson, students should have a basic understanding of the scientific inquiry process and feel more equipped to ask questions, test hypotheses, and analyze their findings in future experiments.