Grade 9 Science Introductory Unit

The whole course begins with a short unit that introduces our model of learning: cooperative group work and guided-inquiry investigations. We begin with a design challenge and then tackle our first deep scientific exploration: the dancing raisins in soda pop. Here we introduce scientific skills and train students how to create hypotheses, design experiments to test them, use hypotheses to create predictions, and use observations to evaluate the hypotheses and decide which are supported or refuted. This is involves some pretty sophisticated scientific thinking, but the kids can do it! The key idea behind the raisins is density. We explore this topic and wrap up the mini unit.

Learn More:

• Tips for introducing a science course

• A detailed look at the first three days