The Scientific Method

Is a way to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments.

1. Ask a question
I wonder
2. Make a hypothesis
I think
3. Do an experiment
4. Collect data
Observe
5. Draw conclusions
The results are
I found
I learned
Report Results

Caves
Brain pop video

Stalactites and Stalagmites

Pointy formations found in limestone caves
Also called drip stone
Which is which?

Stalactites hang TITE to the ceiling so they don't fall

MITES hope they might grow enough one day that they MITE reach the ceiling
When water flows down through the ground and into a cave, it dissolves a mineral called calcite
(a major building block of limestone) and carries it through cracks in the ceiling. The dripping
water leaves behind traces of calcite, which slowly builds up on the ceiling until a stalactite takes
shape, hanging down like an icicle.
Water from the end of the stalactite leaves more calcite in a pile on the cave floor, and pretty
soon a cone-like stalagmite forms. Thats why stalactites and stalagmites are usually found in
pairs. Sometimes they grow together to form a pillar or column.

Group experiment
Materials
2 plastic cups
1 paper plate
1 string
1 cup of salt solution
2 weights
Food coloring (Ms. Vidaurri)
Directions
1. Question: Why are they called dripstones
2. Set up experiment
A. Gather materials (one person from each group)
B. Set cup cups with plate in between

3. Fill cups, to the black line, with salt solution

4. Add food coloring (optional)

5. Tie one weight to each end of the string

6. Put both ends of the string into the cups
3. Hypothesize: What do you think will happen in this experiment?
I think....
4. Collect data each day about what you observe on your data collection page
5. Draw conclusions

Data Collection
Day 1

Thursday objectives

Table of contents Entries

Free explore

Vocabulary

Data collection

Illustrations

Facts

Bats & Owl compare contrast

Scientific method

Caves/stalactites experiment (prep, materials)

Reading passage- Tyler's desks

1. Finish working on the compare contrast vent diagram

2. Look through picture books Stellaluna and Bats

A. Focus on body shape and parts

Classroom resources- Jocelyn's desks

Search encyclopedia and magazines for information on caves

iPads- front of the room

1. Spotlight:caves (next to brain pop)

2. Share the iPads and search Brainpop jr. For caves

Username: rivertonelem

Password: school

Data collection- at your experiment, Dustin's desks

As a group go to your (AND ONLY YOUR) experiment, make observations

and note changes

Friday Rotations

iPads-hallway
Take spelling test

Spelling city> Valerie Owen> unit 2 >amazing bird nests

Going batty webquest (next to spotlight caves)

Data collection
Observe and take notes on changes

Classroom resources - dustin's desk

Search resources for bats

Reading comprehension- Tyler's desk

Reread books looking for what bats like to eat and do

Research
Dog bat group 3
Mexican funnel eared bat group 2
Yellow-shouldered bat group 1
Northern ghost bat group 4
Basic bat info
Presentation:
Specific bat
Scientific name
Picture
3 facts specific to that bat
Where do they live
What do they eat
Population size