Lesson Plan
Who Are Scientists?
Students will be able to identify what a scientist does and understand that scientists observe the world to learn new things.
Understanding what scientists do helps students develop curiosity, critical thinking, and an appreciation for how we learn about the world around us. It also introduces them to a potential career path.
Audience
2nd Grade Individual Student
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through reading, discussion, and a hands-on activity, students will explore the role of scientists.
Materials
Who Are Scientists? Slide Deck, Scientists Reading Passage, Observe Like A Scientist Worksheet, Pencil or crayons, and A small object for observation (e.g., a leaf, a small toy, a rock)
Prep
Preparation Steps
5 minutes
- Review the Who Are Scientists? Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print the Scientists Reading Passage and Observe Like A Scientist Worksheet.
- Gather a small object for the observation activity (e.g., a leaf, a small toy, a rock).
- Ensure a quiet and comfortable learning environment for the individual student.
Step 1
Introduction: What is a Scientist?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking the student: 'What do you think a scientist is or does?' (2 minutes)
- Use the first few slides of the Who Are Scientists? Slide Deck to introduce the concept of a scientist. (3 minutes)
Step 2
Reading: Scientists in Action
10 minutes
- Read the Scientists Reading Passage together. Encourage the student to read aloud parts if they are comfortable. (7 minutes)
- Discuss key ideas from the passage: What do scientists observe? How do they learn? What tools might they use? (3 minutes)
Step 3
Activity: Observe Like A Scientist
10 minutes
- Introduce the small object (leaf, toy, rock) and explain that we will observe it like a scientist. (2 minutes)
- Guide the student through the Observe Like A Scientist Worksheet. Ask them to draw and write their observations about the object. (8 minutes)
Step 4
Wrap-up: Scientists All Around Us
5 minutes
- Discuss the student's observations from the worksheet. 'What did you notice that you hadn't before?' (2 minutes)
- Briefly review the main idea that scientists observe and ask questions about the world. Reinforce that anyone can be a scientist by being curious. (3 minutes)
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Slide Deck
Who Are Scientists?
Have you ever wondered about the world around you?
What do you think a scientist does?
Welcome the student and ask them what they already know or think about scientists. Encourage any ideas, no matter how big or small.
Scientists Are Curious!
Scientists ask BIG questions about the world:
- How do plants grow?
- Why does the sky change colors?
- What makes a ball bounce?
Explain that scientists are like super curious detectives! They love asking questions and finding answers about everything.
Scientists Observe!
Scientists use their senses to observe.
They look closely.
They listen carefully.
They smell and touch (when it's safe!).
Emphasize that observation is a key skill. Scientists use their eyes, ears, nose, and hands (safely!) to learn. Show an example of observing something simple.
Observe and Ask Questions
When scientists observe something, they think:
- What do I see?
- How does it work?
- Why is it happening?
This helps them learn new things!
Connect observation to asking questions. Explain that after observing, scientists think about 'why' or 'how.'
You Can Be A Scientist!
You don't need a lab coat to be a scientist!
If you are curious and love to observe, you can be a scientist too!
Today, we'll practice observing like a scientist.
Introduce the idea that anyone can be a scientist. Focus on the core idea: being curious and observing. This sets up the reading and activity.
Reading
Scientists: Nature's Detectives!
Have you ever wondered why leaves change color in the fall? Or how a tiny seed grows into a big tree? If you have, you're thinking like a scientist!
What Do Scientists Do?
Scientists are like detectives for the natural world. They want to understand how things work and why things happen. They ask lots of questions and look for clues.
They Observe Closely
One of the most important jobs of a scientist is to observe. To observe means to look very, very carefully at something. Scientists use their eyes to see details, their ears to hear sounds, and sometimes even their nose to smell things. They might use tools like magnifying glasses or microscopes to see things that are too small for their eyes alone.
For example, a scientist studying birds might sit quietly and watch birds build nests. They observe what materials the birds use, how long it takes, and what the baby birds eat.
They Ask Questions
After observing, scientists ask questions. They might wonder: "Why do some leaves turn red and others yellow?" or "What do birds eat in the winter when there are no bugs?"
They Discover and Share
By observing and asking questions, scientists learn new things. They discover how the world works! Then, they share what they learn with other people so everyone can understand more about our amazing planet.
So, if you are curious, love to look closely at things, and ask questions, you already have what it takes to be a scientist!
Worksheet
Observe Like A Scientist!
Object: (Your teacher will give you a small object to observe like a scientist!)
1. Look Closely! (Observation)
Draw your object. Try to include all the details you see!
2. Describe What You See! (Details)
What colors do you see?
What shape is it?
What does it feel like (if it's safe to touch)?
What other interesting things do you notice?
3. Ask Questions Like a Scientist! (Inquiry)
What is one question you have about your object after observing it?
Answer Key
Observe Like A Scientist Answer Key
This answer key provides guidance for the teacher as the student's responses will be based on their individual observations and creativity.
1. Look Closely! (Observation)
Teacher Guidance: Look for detailed drawings that reflect the object provided. The student should attempt to capture the key features, shape, and any notable textures or patterns.
2. Describe What You See! (Details)
Teacher Guidance:
- What colors do you see? The student should list the colors present in their object. Accept any accurate color descriptions.
- What shape is it? The student should describe the basic shape of the object (e.g., round, pointy, irregular). Encourage them to use descriptive words.
- What does it feel like (if it's safe to touch)? The student should describe the texture (e.g., smooth, bumpy, rough, soft). Remind them that scientists only touch things when it's safe.
- What other interesting things do you notice? Look for unique observations beyond basic color and shape. This could include patterns, small imperfections, shiny parts, etc.
3. Ask Questions Like a Scientist! (Inquiry)
Teacher Guidance: The student's question should demonstrate curiosity about the object. It should go beyond a simple observation and ask how or why about a feature or characteristic of the object. Encourage genuine inquiry. Examples might include:
- "Why is this leaf crunchy?"
- "How did this rock get so smooth?"
- "What is this toy made of inside?"
Focus on the student's ability to formulate a question based on their observations, showing a desire to learn more about the object.