Scientific Method Lesson

Redesign: Scientific Method Lesson My lesson on friction force using scientific method will use a lab experiment to teach the concepts that were discussed in the 5E model lesson. At the front table I will have placed a variety of different types of shoes, from athletic shoes, to casual, to dress shoes and I will have the students come up and look at each of the shoes and the soles in order to make some observations. I will then ask them about what friction is and establish a working definition. I would have them to come up with two questions that they could address in the lab using the different types of shoes. Typical questions would include: (1) Does the type of shoe change the amount of friction experienced? (2) Does the mass of the shoe

Then choosing two shoes that are quite different from each other, they will test each of their hypotheses by using a spring scale and pulling them across the floor or other surface (carpet or rubber squares) at a constant rate for a number of trials of their choosing to show consistency. They will record their observations and results down under each question. Once they have completed each question, they will then analyze the data, determine if their hypotheses held up or not, and draw conclusions about the type of shoe and the friction associated with it. Students will then share their findings to the group, to see if others had similar outcomes and discuss why there would be differences between the different style of shoes and

Even though the scientific method has student’s involved and coming up with questions, they are very specific to only the shoes people wear. The 5E lesson engages students at the start by incorporates technology with the use of a video, invites them to participate in a task that is familiar to them and manipulating it to show differences in friction. Using what they have experienced and the knowledge they already have, they can participate in a hands on activity that allows them to discover differences in mass, ramp height, surfaces and how these all impact the amount of friction a cart will experience. Using the engagement and exploring activities with the help of their prior knowledge, they can then explain what friction can do for us and why it is so important. The scientific method is more focused on shoes but not the world outside of shoes. It is important for students to be able to elaborate their findings and understandings to many different facets and the 5E model allows for that to