This module has been developed from the Battelle Controlled Experiment Module Template to help students through the scientific process of asking a question, gathering background knowledge, developing and carrying out testing, gathering data, analyzing data, and reporting on that analysis. This module addresses Middle School Earth and Space Science Standard 6-2, which focuses on the uneven heating of the Earth's surface. Students will be able to choose how they explore this concept through a variety of perspectives:
Uneven heating on beaches that create breezes
Impact of moisture content on heating
Impact of albedo on heating (could be connected to global warming, ice caps)
Content is embedded throughout the module, but providing students with an overview of Earth's uneven surface heating and its impact may be necessary. Additionally, this module walks students through the process real scientists go through in order to write a scientific research paper. While prior knowledge of the scientific writing process is not necessarily required, key vocabulary might need to be taught/reviewed (ex. hypothesis, independent variable, dependent variable, etc.).
The Battelle Controlled Experiment Module Template allows students to investigate a question they have in hopes of learning information that can better society or re-test information to help prove it in a real-world application.
It has been designed to be the second module of a three-part Battelle LDC Science Collection: Data Analysis, Controlled Experimentation, and Design. The series represents a continuum of skills that build upon each other. For instance, the Design Process is predicated by the ability to test solutions in a controlled manner (i.e., carry out a controlled experiment), and the ability to carry out a controlled experiment that produces meaningful results is predicated on the ability to accurately analyze data. It is advisable, therefore, that students be relatively fluent in experimentation prior to completing the design module—and relatively fluent in data analysis before completing a Battelle Controlled Experiment Module. If your students do not yet have a sound foundation in data analysis, they should complete a Battelle Data Analysis Module first. If they are already easily analyzing data to draw conclusions, this module should be a good fit.
