Developing Critical Thinking through Science Book 1

Hands-On Physical Science

Grade(s): 1-3
Subject: Science
ISBN: 0-89455-424-7
Activities: 41
Pages: 168

No-cost, easy-to-use activities teach physical science and develop scientific thinking!

Description & Features

Developing Critical Thinking through Science presents standards-based, hands-on, minds-on activities that help students learn basic physical science principles and the scientific method of investigation.

Each activity is a 10- to 30-minute guided experiment in which students are prompted to verbalize their step-by-step observations, predictions, and conclusions. Reproducible pictures or charts are included when needed, but the focus is inquiry-based, hands-on science.

Table of Contents/Skills

Unit 1--Observing
What Makes a Group?
What Is That Sound?
High and Low, Loud and Soft Sounds
What Does It Smell Like?
Tasting Party
Taste These!
How Does It Feel?
Looking Closer--With Magnifiers
Connections

Unit 2--Water
Exploring Water
Water--A Closer Look
The Shape of Water
Same Volume, Different Shape
Evaporation
Condensation
Connections

Unit 3--Buoyancy and Surface Tension
Can It Sink? Can It Float?
Rounded Water?
Float a Paper clip!
How Do Boats Float?
Connections

Unit 4--Air
Exploring Air
Air Can Be Anywhere
Air Does Take Up Space!
What's in an "Empty" Cup?
What's in a Bubble?
Dancing Grapes!
Connections

Unit 5--Moving Air--Air Pressure
Fans and Pinwheels
Streamers
Parachutes
Paper Airplanes
The Strength of Air
Connections

Unit 6--Force Push and Pull
Earth-Pull (Gravity)
How Much Force Does It Take?
Getting Things Moving, Keeping Them Moving
Force of Falling Objects
Force of Rolling Objects
Connections

Unit 7--Space, Light, and Shadows
Position in Space
The Path of Light
Blocking the Path of Light
Indoor Shadows
Outdoor Shadows
Mirror Images
Connections

Teaching Support

Preparation time is short, and most materials can be found around the home. Step-by-step procedures, questions, answer guidelines, and clear illustrations are provided. Practical applications at the end of each activity relate science concepts to real-life experiences.