Simple Experiments


Standards

Idaho State Standards

Here are correlations to the Idaho State Language and Math standards and to the Idaho State Science Standards. For more information about the overall standards, see the complete Idaho Content Standards for Science, the Next Generation Science Standards, and the alignment between Idaho and NGSS Science Standards. You may also access the Idaho English Language Arts/Literacy Standards and Mathematics Standards.

Language

Second Grade

ELA/Literacy 2.W.RW.1

Develop flexibility in writing by routinely engaging in the production of writing shorter and longer pieces for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences. This could include reflections, descriptions, letters, etc.

Suggested Lesson

As a class, create a list of rules that should be followed in science experiments to maintain safety and accurate scientific results.

Fourth Grade

ELA/Literacy 4.W.RW.4

Write personal narratives that organize the writing around a central problem, conflict, or experience; use descriptions or dialogue to develop the event(s); and provide a sense of closure.

Suggested Lesson

Perform a simple experiment such as letting an air-filled balloon go, mixing vinegar with baking soda, or throwing a ball while wearing slippery roller skates. Write the steps of the experiment in order and come to a conclusion about the result.

Sixth Grade

ELA/Literacy 6.W.RW.3

Write informational texts that introduce the topic, develop the focus with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, and examples from multiple sources using appropriate strategies, such as description, comparison, and/or cause-effect; and provide a concluding section that follows from the information presented.

Suggested Lesson

Keep a science journal of the science experiments performed. Write each experiment up according to the steps in the scientific method.

Math

Second Grade

Math 2.MD.A.1

Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes.

Supporting Content

Using a measuring tape, measure the circumference of a balloon before air is added. Blow three breaths into the balloon. Measure again. Blow three more breaths into the balloon and measure. Continue to do this until the balloon pops. Keep track of the recorded measures and compare to another student's results using their own balloon. Can you predict, based on its original size, how big a balloon will get before it pops?

Third Grade

Math 3.MD.B.4

Generate measurement data by measuring lengths of objects using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch. Record and show the data by making a line plot (dot plot), where the horizontal scale is marked off in appropriate units— whole numbers, halves, or fourths.

Supporting Content

Make a paper airplane from a pattern or from your own design and measure the distance it will fly. Compare the distance to other students' flights.

Sixth Grade

Math 6.RP.A.3

Use ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world and mathematical problems, e.g., by reasoning about tables of equivalent ratios, tape diagrams, double number line diagrams, or equations.

Supporting Content

Perform an experiment mixing two food colors together such as blue and red. Measure the amount of each color. Create a ratio table to compare the quantity of red to blue for varying hues.

Science

All Grades

Multiple Science Standards

All standards, across the content domains of Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth and Space Sciences, are written in language that incorporates the Scientific Method and Experimentation. Standards begin with one of the following phrases: 

Ask questions

Define a problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas

Predict outcomes

Plan and conduct an investigation

Conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental design

Design and build a structure, device or solution

Make, use and share observations

Make observations to provide evidence

Make observations to construct an evidence-based explanation

Make measurements to provide data

Gather and collect data

Ask questions about data

Represent data in graphical displays

Analyze data obtained from testing

Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence

Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence

Construct an argument with evidence

Make a claim about the merit of a design solution 

Examples of Standards

Kindergarten: K.PS.1.1: Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object.

First Grade: 1.PS.1.1: Plan and conduct investigations to provide evidence that vibrating materials can make sound and that sound can make materials vibrate.

Second Grade: 2.LS.1.1: Plan and conduct an investigation to determine the impact of light and water on the growth of plants.

Third Grade: 3.PS.1.1: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.

Fourth Grade: 4.PS.1.4: Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.

Fifth Grade: 5.PS.1.4:  Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances.

Sixth Grade/Middle School: MS.PS.3.4: Plan and conduct an investigation to determine the relationships among the energy transferred, the type of matter, the mass, and the change in the average kinetic energy of the particles as measured by the temperature of the sample.