Beacon Lesson Plan Library
Solving Science Mysteries
Cynthia Youngblood
Santa Rosa District Schools
Description
Using resource materials, small groups investigate a science-related mystery, then write and deliver a persuasive speech that supports the theory of the mystery.
Standards
Florida Sunshine State Standards
LA.A.2.3.5
The student locates, organizes, and interprets written information for a variety of purposes, including classroom research, collaborative decision making, and performing a school or real-world task.
LA.A.2.3.6
The student uses a variety of reference materials, including indexes, magazines, newspapers, and journals, and tools, including card catalogs and computer catalogs, to gather information for research topics.
LA.C.3.3.3
The student speaks for various occasions, audiences, and purposes, including conversations, discussions, projects, and informational, persuasive, or technical presentations.
LA.D.2.3.3
The student distinguishes between emotional and logical argument.
LA.D.2.3.5
The student incorporates audiovisual aids in presentations.
Florida Process Standards
Information Managers
01 Florida students locate, comprehend, interpret, evaluate, maintain, and apply information, concepts, and ideas found in literature, the arts, symbols, recordings, video and other graphic displays, and computer files in order to perform tasks and/or for enjoyment.
Effective Communicators
02 Florida students communicate in English and other languages using information, concepts, prose, symbols, reports, audio and video recordings, speeches, graphic displays, and computer-based programs.
Critical and Creative Thinkers
04 Florida students use creative thinking skills to generate new ideas, make the best decision, recognize and solve problems through reasoning, interpret symbolic data, and develop efficient techniques for lifelong learning.
Cooperative Workers
08 Florida students work cooperatively to successfully complete a project or activity.
Materials
-Pen
-Pencil
-Paper
-Library reference materials
-Visual aids (illustrated posters, pictures, videos, audiotape, transparencies, etc.)
Preparations
1. Arrange a time to take the class to the media center for research.
2. Make copies of evaluation form to distribute to groups.
3. Pre-select books from library shelves about science mysteries.
Procedures
DAY ONE
1. Explain group research and persuasive talk assignment.
2. Students, working in small groups, choose a science-related mystery to investigate, such as the Bermuda Triangle, the disappearance of the dinosaurs, the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot or Sasquatch. Using library resource materials (reference books, electronic media, the Internet, science books, etc.) each group formulates scientific theories to explain the mystery. Each group uses persuasion to write a speech supporting these theories. Each group then makes a presentation that consists of the persuasive speech being read and the sharing of other information gleaned through illustrations and/or visual aids.
3. Explain how this activity will be evaluated by going over -Solving Science Mysteries- Research Evaluation Form. (See attachment.)
4. Assign students to cooperative groups. Groups choose science-related mystery to investigate.
DAY TWO and THREE
5. Take class to the media center for groups to do research.
6. Groups discuss findings.
DAY FOUR
7. Each group writes a persuasive speech.
8. Each group creates an audiovisual and/or illustration to use during the presentation.
DAY FIVE
9. Groups give presentations explaining the scientific theories of science mysteries.
10. Evaluate group's presentations. (See attachment.)
Assessments
The students present their arguments to the class and are assessed on the following standards:
LA.A.2.3.5 (Locates and interprets information during research)
LA.A.2.3.6 (Uses a variety of reference materials to gather information)
LA.C.3.3.3 (Speaks in persuasive presentations)
LA.D.2.3.3 (Makes a logical argument)
LA.D.2.3.5 (Uses audiovisual aids and/or illustrations)
(See attached file for rubric.)
Extensions
As an interdisciplinary study, science classes could be involved in this project.
This could also be an independent study instead of a group project.
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