Lesson: Dissolving Gobstoppers

Author: Jessica Wann, Adapted from an activity created by Jim Hartman, Athey Creek Middle School

Area: General Science

Grade Level: 5-7

Overview:

This activity allows students to incorporate the ideas of testable questions, variables, and hypotheses to design and perform their own experiments using Gobstoppers.

Standards:

Arizona State Science Standards: Grades 4-8
Science As Inquiry
1SC-E1
PO 1. Distinguish between a question and a hypothesis
PO 2. Describe the functions of variables in an investigation
1SC-E3
PO 1. Organize gathered data into an appropriate format
PO 2. Construct a representation of data (e.g., bar graph, line
graph, frequency table, Venn diagram)
1SC-E4
PO 1. Identify questions from previous investigations
PO 2. Refine questions from previous investigations
History and Nature of Science
2SC-E4
PO 1. Describe a variety of ways scientists generate ideas
2SC-E5
PO 1. Explain the role of a hypothesis in scientific inquiry
PO 2. Explain the role of experimentation in scientific inquiry