Observing Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics
Using their 5 senses, students will use a sugar cube piece of gum to better understand the qualitative and quantitavie characteristiscs items have.
Lesson Created By: Raney Stogner
Essential Question
Why can observing using our 5 senses help us draw inferences?
Grade(s):
- 5
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Lap top and smart board for shorr powerpoint
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Cup, sugar cube, stirring straw, water, chewing gum
Lesson Progression
1. Begin by showing short powerpoint to students.
2. Make sure they understand the difference between an observation and an inference - and observation being something they sense using thier five senses.
3. Split them into groups of about 4 or 5.
4. Being lab:
a. Pass out cup (without water), sugar cube, and stirring stick.
b. Have students write down what they observe about the sugar cube making sure to use senses other than taste.
c. Once they have used all four senses to observe (sight: white cube, shiny, etc., hearing: loud, thump, etc., smell: sweet, plain, etc., touch: gritty, rough, etc.), pour water into cup.
d. Also make them make quantitative observations such as how big the cube is.
d. Have students place sugar cube into cup and make observations.
e. Students should notice that the sugar dissolves into the water once they start stirring.
a. Pass out piece of gum.
b. Repeat the process but adding the sense of taste into the mix.
5. Have students write a paragraph about things they observed during the lab and how they can use thier senses to make inferences in the world around them.