Lessons and Video

Lessons

The UQUEST science enrichment curricula focus on fundamental scientific methods and the development of science practices and incorporates health and wellness topics. Each lesson features a hands-on interactive activity and engages the student scientists in evaluating the data that they collect during the lesson. Some lesson activities are drawn from common demonstrations for children and all lessons utilize readily available materials.

The curricula functionally translate an upper-level research methods course for use with elementary school students. The presentation of lessons was designed to be sequential and cumulative and to build upon what was previously presented. Each lesson plan parallels the format of a scientific article and includes an overview, objective(s), activity, documentation, and discussion. At the start of each lesson, program values are reviewed and students engage in a relaxation exercise to help focus their attention. A student scientist lab notebook accompanies the lessons.

A pdf of each lesson (lesson plan plus corresponding lab notebook pages and forms) from the 2022-2023 academic year can be downloaded by clicking the button to the right of the lesson description and science objectives.

Pre-lesson 0 – Introduction to stress management: Slime day To understand the process of mixing ingredients together to make a new substance	Pre lesson 0
Lesson 1 – Observation: That makes sense To use some of senses to make observations about phenomenon To understand that graphs are tools to organize, describe, and communicate information about the observations that scientists collect	Lesson 01
Lesson 2 - Variability: “Grapeful” for science To apply observational skills to identify variability among grape varieties	Lesson 02
Lesson 3 – Classification: Mystery box To understand that classifying is a process of categorizing objects based on the similarity of their characteristics To practice classification by observing similarities and differences in the characteristics of objects and then placing objects in categories	Lesson 03
Lesson 4 – Variables and constants To understand the differences between variables and constants To understand that bar graphs can be used to visually represent variables	Lesson 04
Lesson 5 – Measurement: Weight a minute… To understand that measurement is important in science To use tools to measure characteristics (variables) of objects To understand how to use a digital scale to measure the weight of objects	Lesson 05
Lesson 6 - Hypotheses: Invisible ink To understand that a hypothesis is an educated guess about the relationship between two variables To understand that a hypothesis needs to be testable and specific To practice generating hypotheses	Lesson 06
Lesson 7 – Independent and dependent variables: Elephant toothpaste To understand that we change an independent variable and observe a dependent variable To understand that the independent variable is manipulated to produce a measured outcome in the dependent variable	Lesson 07
Lesson 8 – Observational studies: Grade and physical activity To understand the difference between an observational study and an experiment. To use a spreadsheet to record and organize data.	Lesson 08
Lesson 9 – Manipulation and experimentation: “Yo-got” a heart beat! To understand that manipulation is the process of changing a variable To understand that experimentation involves manipulating one variable to examine the effect it has on another variable To understand that experimentation is not the same as an observational study To learn how to measure heart rate	Lesson 09
Lesson 10 - Operational definitions: Brushing up on definitions To understand that some variables need operational definitions To operationally define teeth brushing by how the variable is produced To state an operational definition in terms of how a variable is produced	Lesson 10
Lesson 11 – Experimental design: Lava lamps To understand how an experiment is designed to help answer research questions and test hypotheses To understand that the independent variable is manipulated by scientists to produce an outcome in the dependent variable	Lesson 11
Lesson 12 – Data collection: Genetic traits To understand that data collection helps scientists understand the world around them	Lesson 12
Lesson 13 – Mean and median: Statistics of our seeds To understand that statistics are ways to summarize and describe information To learn how to calculate mean and median to describe data	Lesson 13
Lesson 14 – Latent variables: Measuring what we can’t see To understand that scientists are sometimes interested in measuring variables that cannot be observed directly To understand that when scientists are interested in measuring something that’s not visible with our eyes, scientists develop tools to help with the measurement	Lesson 14
Lesson 15 – Direct and systematic replication: Repeat after me To understand what it means to replicate an experiment To understand why replication is important	Lesson 15

Video

How to Stop the Spread of COVID- 19: The Importance of Handwashing

One of the most important steps that you can take to help prevent the spread of infection, such as COVID-19, is to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. Whether you are at home, at work, traveling, or out in the community, find out how handwashing with soap and water can protect you and those around you. In this video, we use glo germ to show what happens if you do not wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. We also explain and demonstrate how soap works and why it functions well if used for 20 seconds.

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