Special Features
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 Printable Version for your convenience!
Title - Taxonomy through Inquiry
By - Deborah Williams
Primary Subject - Science
Grade Level - 6
Supplies:
Several different examples of shark jaws
Pre-researched information for each research group
The Problem:
Can a type of shark be determined solely by looking at its teeth and jaws? Once determined, can any other information about the particular species be inferred? Do any examples share characteristics? What does that mean?
The Data:
1. Drawings of several different examples of different types of sharks and their teeth have been provided.
2. Information about different species has been provided, including scientific names and characteristics.
3. Information about geographic trends of different species has been provided.
The Process:
Each group will be assigned a set of jaws. The groups will be allowed some time to examine their examples and formulate hypotheses. The students will then be given an opportunity to share their hypotheses with rest of the class. The teacher will then respond to questions posed by the groups. Finally, the hypothesis will be written on the board.
Data Distribution:
Several pieces of information will be distributed to each group. From this information, the students will research their example in an effort to prove or disprove the hypothesis. Each time a piece of information is distributed, the teacher will answer yes/no questions for the students.
Develop a Theory and Verify:
Students are allowed to caucus and revise their questions. Again, the teacher will answer yes/no questions in order to guide the students. The theory is accepted or rejected by the students. If rejected, the students re-gather data.
Explain the theory:
Each group will be allowed to state the rules of the theory and determine whether or not it could apply to other situations.
Analyze the Process:
Students will analyze their questioning effectiveness and consider ways to expedite the process.
Evaluate:
Ask students to create their own problem and theory as an assessment of their ability to apply this information to different situations. An alternate evaluation may be a formal assessment.
E-Mail Deborah Williams!
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