Unit Summary 

This unit will begin with a focus on the district safety agreement, outlining specific rules that apply to 7th grade. The location and function of all safety equipment will be discussed. Students will use the microscope and design a lab using the Scientific Method and all safety rules. Students will understand variables, experimental design, and the importance of collaboration and peer review when conducting scientific experiments.

Essential Questions

  • What tools are used to collect data which can be used to determine characteristics, predict future events, and provide evidence to support theories?
  • Why is the Scientific Method a useful process for scientific experimentation?

Resources given in class

http://www.sophia.org
https://katyisd.instructure.com/login/ldap

Vocabulary

Microscope     Independent/Manipulated variable
Hypothesis     Dependent/Responding variable
Theory             Controlled/Constant variable
Variable                         Law      X/Y Axis
Causality vs. Correlation    Ethics

On-line Resources

The Biology Corner- 
http://www.biologycorner.com/lesson-plans/scientific-method/
The Science Kids-http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/projects/thescientificmethod.html
Biology for Kids-
http://www.biology4kids.com/files/studies_scimethod.html