Overarching Question: As scientists how do we determine if something is living?

Scenario: You are a astrobiologist working in the year 2210. You have been sent objects from many space explorers who think they have found life on other planets. You need determine if these 3 objects, shown in the pictures, are examples of living things.

Guiding Questions

1. What will life science be like?

We will be using science journals to record most our work in science as well as anchor lessons.

We set up our journals the first week of class the first 7 pages will be the following:

Page 1. Picture of yourself/Cover page

Page 2. Journal Rubric

Page 3. Making an Aha Connections Page

Page 4. Writing a Aha Thesis

page 5. Writing a reflection

Page 6. Life Introduction Unit page

page 7. Table of Contents

We will also be recording our vocabulary words on our vocabulary sheets. You will get a packet each unit and will be expected to keep it in your green science folder.

Look at grading policy for more details on how you will be graded.

2. How do scientist work together?

We made a poster in class for the rules for how we work together as a group. Most classes included the following: WRITTEN IN JOURNAL

• All students working.
• Everybody participates.
• Only one person speaking, and everybody listening to the speaker.
• Everybody does their part.

3. What is evidence in science?

Evidence in Science is....

a. Observations (Click on Good Scientific Observations we will use and develop this skill all year.) WRITTEN IN JOURNAL

b. Collecting data from an investigation

You can also use Science Knowledge found from:

1. Reading textbook or science articles

2. Talking to an expert

3. Class notes

How do you make good scientific observations ?

1. Give Clear Specific Details

2. Use the five senses to describe

• Object’s size
• Shape
• Color
• Texture
• Smell
• Sound

3. Use similes and metaphors to compare and contrast the object

4. Use labeled drawings and pictures when possible

5. Use measurement (numbers) whenever possible

4. How do scientists use evidence to support a claim?

A Claim is what you understand or a conclusion that you reached from an investigation/investigations.

An excellent explanation shows how your claims are backed up with your evidence and science knowledge, if you do not use evidence it is not a valid explanation.

5. What makes an object a living thing?

Characteristics of Life Movie

The characteristics of living thing notes (Beatle Notes) TAPED IN JOURNAL

In addition to the characteristics of life, all living things do the same Life Functions

Assignments

Unit Organizer

Workbook pages 16,120, 151,

1. Observations and Claims of Mystery object #1 (In Journal)

Watch the Movie

Make at T-Chart of observations and claims in your journal

2. Observation Interactive Editing (ANCHOR ASSIGNMENT)

A. Interactive Editing Sheet

B. Observation and Claims reading (Choose your Version below)

Pink Dot

Ink Dot

3. A Tale Told By Tracks (ANCHOR ASSIGNMENT)

5. Answering Science Questions (Warm-up)

6. Reading in Prentice Hall Life Science Book (ANCHOR ASSIGMENT)

A. Interactive Editing Sheet

B. Characteristics of Living Things Reading

Ink Dot version p. 34-35 Online textbook (username: life science, password: purple)

Green Dot version

7. Compare Characteristics of living things (In Journal)

8. Claim Evidence T-Chart for Mystery Object 3 (In journal)

7. Characteristics of Life Poster (ANCHOR ASSIGNMENT)

A. Instructions and Rubric

B. Poster Template

8. Life Word Search (not required 2010-2011)

Quizzes

No Current Quizzes