ELL Scientific Method Lesson Plan

Grade Levels: 3-5, 6-8, K-3

In the BrainPOP ELL movie, Scientific Method (L2U4L3), something is wrong with Moby’s dog, Fighter. He doesn’t want to go for a walk, play, or eat. Ben and Moby use the scientific method to find out what’s bothering him, and test their hypotheses with different experiments. In this lesson plan, adaptable for grades K-8, students use the modals may, might, and (be) supposed to as they engage with the scientific method.

Lesson Plan Common Core State Standards Alignments

Grade: 04

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.1c

Use modal auxiliaries (e.g., can, may, must) to convey various conditions.

Grade: 03

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.3

Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect.

Grade: 04

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.3

Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.

Grade: 06, 07, 08

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.3

Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.

Grade: 02

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.2

Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.

Grade: 03

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.3.1

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Grade: 05

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.2

Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

Grade: 01

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.8

With guidance and support from adults, recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.

Grade: 02

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.8

Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.

Grade: 04

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2d

Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

Grade: 05

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.8

Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; summarize or paraphrase information in notes and finished work, and provide a list of sources.

Grade: 06

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1b

Support claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.

Grade: 07

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1e

Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

Grade: 08

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2d

Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

Grade: 06, 07, 08

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.2

Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes.

Students will:

Use modals may or might to make predictions or hypotheses based on a visual prompt. (Language Objective)
Participate in a role-play to solve a problem. (Language Objective)
Summarize and retell the steps of the scientific method using the modal auxiliary be supposed to. (Language and Content Objective)
Take notes on a graphic organizer about the scientific method. (Content Objective)
Apply the scientific method to a new situation. (Content Objective)

Materials:

Vocabulary:

scientific method, hypothesis, experiment, conclusion, problem, solution
May, might, be supposed to

Preparation:

Make copies of the Scientific Method Graphic Organizer.

Lesson Procedure:

What's Wrong with Fighter? Begin playing the movie Scientific Method (L2U4L3), and pause the movie after Ben asks the first question, "What's wrong with Fighter?" Use the Say Something strategy for students to share their thoughts with a partner. Prompt them to use the modals may or might. For example, He might be sick. List their ideas on the board under the heading: Hypotheses.
Solve a Pet Problem Role-Play. After watching the movie, Scientific Method (L2U4L3), pause at the final image, of people standing in line with their pets, waiting for Ben and Moby to solve their problems. Divide students into groups of four. Two of the students will play the part of pet owners; the other two will play Ben and Moby. The pet owners must think of a pet and its problem, and discuss how they will describe the problem to Ben and Moby. The students playing Ben and Moby must think of a hypothesis and a possible experiment to test it. Together, they will come to a conclusion. Encourage use of the modals may and might in the students’ role-play. They may take notes on the Scientific Method Graphic Organizer.
Summarize It! Ask students to summarize the steps of the scientific method. Tell them to use the modal supposed to in the explanations. For example, First, you are supposed to think of a question.