Content Standard: J. Inquiry and Problem Solving
Students will apply inquiry and problem solving approaches in science and technology.
Common Assessment(s): Maine LAD Tasks, Critter Classification (A. Classifying Life Forms), Dead Birds (B. Ecology), Comparing Soils , (F. The Earth)

Performance Indicators Students will be able to:	Essential Elements (specific grade level learning objectives)			Suggested Performance Activities	Suggested Classroom Assessments	Vocabulary
1. Make accurate observations using appropriate tools and units of measure.	Students will need to know how to read measurements such as those on a ruler, scale or thermometer.			Prepare a map of the continents over time, F1.	Students will be able to describe the movement of the continents over time, F1.	analyze collect conclusions data design experiments hypothesize inventions magnifying glass mass measurement (as needed, example: light years, centimeters, yards, grams, etc.) metric system microscope observe predict scientific investigation technology telescope temperature thermometer tools (names as used) weight
2. Conduct scientific investigations: make observations, collect and analyze, and do experiments.	Students need to understand how to observe, collect, and analyze data. To observe is to watch something carefully over time.			Observe and record life cycle of various organisms A4.	Students will compare and contrast the life cycles of two organisms.
3. Use results in a purposeful way: design fair tests, make predictions based on observed patterns, and interpret data to make further predictions.	Student need to understand what a fair test is.			Group and regroup one set of objects based on their characteristics, A1.	Students will create a visual classification system for a given set of organisms and explain their reasoning.
4. Design and build an invention.	Students need to know how to plan what materials are needed for an invention and how to sequence the steps.			Students will discuss and learn about inventors, their inventions and the inventive process.	Explain in writing information learned about inventor and their invention.
5. Explain how differences in time, place or experimenter can lead to different data.	Students understand what a variable is.			Observe and record life cycle of various organisms, A4.	Create a Venn diagram comparing two student's data.
6. Explain how different conclusions can be derived from the same data.	Students understand that experimenters can have a different point of view or interpretation of data.			Observe and record life cycle of various organisms, A4.	Create a Venn diagram comparing two student's data.