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Lessons
Color Burst
Discipline
Science
Grade
7
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Professional Commentary

This lesson uses a technique called paper chromatography to separate the ink colors in water soluble markers. The core activity of the lesson will help children gain experience in conducting simple investigations of their own while working in small groups. Throughout the lesson children make observations, measure things carefully, record data clearly in logs and journals, and communicate their results in charts and simple graphs as well as in prose. Student investigations should be followed up with presentations to the entire class to emphasize the importance of clear communication in science. (author/ts)


Next Generation Science Standards (2012)
Scientific and Engineering Practices
 
Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
 
Planning and carrying out investigations
 
Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
Crosscutting Concepts
 
Cause and effect
 
Energy and matter
Ohio Science Academic Content Standards (2010)
Science Inquiry and Application
Grade 7
Physical Science
Conservation of Mass and Energy
1. 
The properties of matter are determined by the arrangement of atoms.
Ohio Science Academic Content Standards (2002)
Physical Sciences
Benchmarks (3–5)
B.
Identify and describe the physical properties of matter in its various states.
Benchmarks (6–8)
A.
Relate uses, properties and chemical processes to the behavior and/or arrangement of the small particles that compose matter.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 4)
1.
Identify characteristics of a simple physical change (e.g., heating or cooling can change water from one state to another and the change is reversible).
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 6)
4.
Describe that chemical and physical changes occur all around us (e.g., in the human body, cooking, industry).
Scientific Inquiry
Benchmarks (3–5)
B.
Organize and evaluate observations, measurements and other data to formulate inferences and conclusions.
C.
Develop, design and safely conduct scientific investigations and communicate the results.
Benchmarks (6–8)
A.
Explain that there are differing sets of procedures for guiding scientific investigations and procedures are determined by the nature of the investigation, safety considerations and appropriate tools.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 3)
2.
Discuss observations and measurements made by other people.
5.
Record and organize observations (e.g., journals, charts, tables).
6.
Communicate scientific findings to others through a variety of methods (e.g., pictures, written, oral and recorded observations).
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 4)
3.
Develop, design and conduct safe, simple investigations or experiments to answer questions.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 5)
2.
Evaluate observations and measurements made by other people and identify reasons for any discrepancies.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 6)
1.
Explain that there are not fixed procedures for guiding scientific investigations; however, the nature of an investigation determines the procedures needed.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 7)
3.
Formulate and identify questions to guide scientific investigations that connect to science concepts and can be answered through scientific investigations.
National Science Education Standards
Science as Inquiry
Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry (Grades Kindergarten - 4)
Understanding about scientific inquiry (Grades Kindergarten - 4)
Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry (Grades 5 - 8)
Understandings about scientific inquiry (Grades 5 - 8)
Physical Science
Properties and changes of properties in matter (Grades 5 - 8)