ABSTRACT

Thinking Like a Scientist focuses on high-interest, career-related topics in the elementary curriculum related to science. Students will explore interdisciplinary content, foster creativity, and develop higher order thinking skills with activities aligned to relevant content area standards. Through inquiry-based investigations, students will explore what scientists do, engage in critical thinking, learn about scientific tools and research, and examine careers in scientific fields. Thinking Like a Scientist reflects key emphases of curricula from the Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary, including the development of process skills in various content areas and the enhancement of discipline-specific thinking and habits of mind through hands-on activities.

Grade 5

chapter |4 pages

Introduction

chapter |3 pages

Preassessment

section Unit 1|16 pages

What Do Scientists Do?

chapter Lesson 1.1|4 pages

What Does a Scientist Look Like?

chapter Lesson 1.2|3 pages

What Is a Scientist?

chapter Lesson 1.3|8 pages

Project: Scientific Careers

section Unit 2|24 pages

What Is the Scientific Method?

chapter Lesson 2.1|4 pages

Observing Mystery Objects

chapter Lesson 2.2|5 pages

Evaluating Hypotheses

chapter Lesson 2.3|3 pages

Evaluating Data

chapter Lesson 2.4|6 pages

Evaluating Types of Graphs and Charts

chapter Lesson 2.5|5 pages

Transformed "Floating Leaf Disk" Lab

section Unit 3|14 pages

What Is the Role of Evidence?

chapter Lesson 3.1|4 pages

Analyzing Claims

chapter Lesson 3.2|6 pages

Theories are Like Puzzles

chapter Lesson 3.3|3 pages

Uncovering Misconceptions

section Unit 4|40 pages

What Is Critical Thinking?

chapter Lesson 4.1|3 pages

Using The I2 Strategy

chapter Lesson 4.2|4 pages

Deep Thinking Using Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning

chapter Lesson 4.3|4 pages

Project: Making Models of Earth Motions

chapter Lesson 4.4|5 pages

Project: Engineering a Boat

chapter Unit 5|2 pages

Putting Scientific Skills to Use

chapter Lesson 5.1|7 pages

Project: Solar Oven Construction

chapter Lesson 5.2|7 pages

Project: Testing in Terrariums

chapter Lesson 5.3|6 pages

Project: Working in Research Teams