Lesson Plan
Investigate It! Lesson Plan
Students will learn and apply each step of the scientific method by designing and conducting a simple plant‐growth experiment, recording observations, and drawing conclusions.
Understanding and practicing the scientific method builds critical thinking and inquiry skills that are fundamental to all STEM fields and real‐world problem solving.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands‐on plant investigation to practice hypothesis, observation, and analysis.
Materials
Potting Soil, Bean Seeds, Clear Plastic Cups, Water, Rulers, Permanent Markers, Scientific Method Worksheet, Plant Growth Data Log, and Investigation Reflection Prompt
Prep
Set Up Investigation Stations
10 minutes
- Label each plastic cup with student names or group numbers using permanent markers
- Fill cups with potting soil and insert bean seeds (2–3 seeds per cup) about 1" deep
- Arrange cups on a flat surface and place rulers next to each station
- Print and place one copy of Scientific Method Worksheet, Plant Growth Data Log, and Investigation Reflection Prompt at each station
- Review all materials and instructions so you can guide students through each step
Step 1
Introduction & Engage
5 minutes
- Display and review the key steps of the scientific method (ask: What comes first? etc.)
- Hand out the Scientific Method Worksheet
- As a class, choose a question: “How does the amount of water affect bean growth?”
- Guide students to write a hypothesis on their worksheet
Step 2
Plan & Predict
5 minutes
- Instruct students to identify variables: independent (water amount), dependent (height), constants (soil, seed type)
- Students complete the hypothesis and variables sections on their worksheet
- Model how to design two conditions (e.g., 10 mL vs. 20 mL water daily)
Step 3
Experiment & Observe
12 minutes
- Students set up their two cups, labeling them Condition A and B
- Measure and add water daily amounts as per their plan
- Use rulers to measure plant height and record observations in the Plant Growth Data Log at least twice during class
- Circulate to prompt students: Are measurements consistent? Any unexpected changes?
Step 4
Analyze & Conclude
6 minutes
- Students graph their data (height vs. days) directly on their data log
- On the Investigation Reflection Prompt, students answer: Did your data support your hypothesis? Why or why not?
- Facilitate a brief sharing: Two groups share key findings and any surprises
- Collect worksheets for assessment
Slide Deck
Investigate It!
A hands-on plant growth investigation to practice the Scientific Method
Welcome students! Introduce today’s investigation and set expectations for participation and safety. Mention that we’ll practice the scientific method step by step.
Lesson Objectives
• Learn and apply each step of the Scientific Method
• Design and conduct a simple plant-growth experiment
• Record observations and graph results
• Draw and share conclusions
Read through the objectives aloud. Emphasize why skills like hypothesis writing and data collection matter in real science.
Steps of the Scientific Method
- Ask a Question
- Do Background Research
- Construct a Hypothesis
- Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment
- Analyze Data and Draw Conclusions
- Communicate Results
Display this slide and ask students to recall each step. Use a pointer or highlight as you discuss.
Driving Question
How does the amount of water affect bean growth?
Guide students to choose today’s question together. Write it on the board, then hand out the worksheet.
Materials & Setup
• Potting Soil and Bean Seeds
• Clear Plastic Cups, Water, Rulers, Markers
• Scientific Method Worksheet
• Plant Growth Data Log
Set up two cups per group: Condition A (e.g., 10 mL water) and Condition B (e.g., 20 mL water).
Review the materials and station setup quickly. Remind students to label their cups and record setup details on their worksheet.
Experiment & Data Collection
• Label cups Condition A and B
• Measure and add water daily
• Use rulers to measure plant height twice during class
• Record all measurements and observations in the Plant Growth Data Log
Explain how to measure water and height, how often to record data, and what observations to note.
Graphing & Analysis
• Plot height vs. day for each condition on your data log
• Compare growth trends between Condition A and B
• Ask: Does the data support your hypothesis?
Model graphing one data point. Show axes labels and scales. Encourage neatness and accuracy.
Reflection & Sharing
• Complete the Investigation Reflection Prompt
– Was your hypothesis supported?
– What surprised you?
• Share key findings with the class
Invite two or three groups to share their findings. Collect all worksheets and logs for assessment.
Worksheet
Scientific Method Worksheet
1. Driving Question
How does the amount of water affect bean growth?
(Write today’s investigation question above.)
2. Background Research
What do you already know about how water affects plant growth?
3. Hypothesis
Based on your background knowledge, write a testable hypothesis using an "If…, then…" statement.
If ___________________________________________________, then ___________________________________________________.
4. Identify Variables
Independent Variable (what you will change):
Dependent Variable (what you will measure):
Constants / Control Variables (what you will keep the same):
5. Experimental Design Plan
- List the materials you will need for your experiment:
- Describe the step-by-step procedure you will follow (include how you will set up Condition A and Condition B):
6. Data Collection Strategy
How will you record your observations and measurements during the experiment?
(Use the Plant Growth Data Log to collect your data.)
7. Analysis & Conclusion
After collecting your data, answer the following:
- Does your data support your hypothesis? Why or why not?
- What patterns or trends did you observe in plant growth between your two conditions?
8. Next Steps
• Graph your data in the Plant Growth Data Log.
• Complete your responses to the Investigation Reflection Prompt.
Good luck with your experiment!
Worksheet
Plant Growth Data Log
Instructions: Record your plant’s height and observations for each condition daily. Use centimeters (cm) for height measurements.
1. Data Table
| Day | Condition A Height (cm) | Condition B Height (cm) | Observations (leaf color, new growth, wilting, etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 |
2. Graphing Area
Plot your data here.
• X-axis = Day (1–5)
• Y-axis = Height (cm)
• Use ● for Condition A and ■ for Condition B
3. Notes & Observations
Use this space for any additional comments or unexpected changes you notice during the experiment.
Worksheet
Investigation Reflection Prompt
Instructions: After completing your data log and graph, reflect on your experiment by answering the prompts below. (Refer to your Plant Growth Data Log for data.)
1. Restate Your Hypothesis
Write the exact "If…, then…" statement you formed before you began the experiment.
2. Hypothesis Evaluation
Did your experimental data support your hypothesis? Explain why or why not, citing specific examples from your results.
3. Surprising Observations
What was the most unexpected result or observation during your investigation? How did it differ from what you predicted?
4. Experimental Improvements
If you were to repeat this experiment, what changes would you make to your procedure, variables, or data collection methods?
5. Real-World Connections
How could the findings from your plant-growth investigation apply to another scientific question or a real-world problem (e.g., agriculture, gardening, environmental science)?
Great work reflecting on your investigation! Be prepared to share one key insight with the class.