How do scientists conduct science? In this program, student scientists explore the scientific method by observing live crickets! Students record their observations, develop hypotheses, conduct experiments and discuss results. At the end of the program, the students are asked to propose their own questions and perform their own experiment. This program provides a great follow-up to any lesson plan on the scientific method.
Length: This program is about 45 to 60 minutes.
Costs: This is a FREE program!!
Grades: Most appropriate for grades 4 to 6
Curriculum benchmarks addressed by this program: NS.K-4.1, NS. 5-8.1 Science as Inquiry and NS.K-4.3, NS.5-8.3 Life Science.
How to schedule this program: If you would like to participate in this LADDERS program, please contact the Michigan State University virtual outreach program at 517.353.3882 or office@virtualoutreach.org, or go to www.virtualoutreach.org and fill out a program request form. We offer this program upon request.
Supporting materials: We have posted here our resources if you are interesting to learn more about our program!
Link to the Teacher Package (in PDF)
Link to the Student Handout (in PDF)
Download our Jeopardy Game, specially written for this program! (in Powerpoint)
Link to a 10-min video interview of a scientist, Dr. Chris DiFonzo, by a middle-school student. Dr. DiFonzo studies insects at Michigan State University.
Have you participated in this LADDERS program already? We would like your feedback!
Click here to fill out our anonymous feedback form
Do your students have questions for scientists? Come chat with us on our LADDERS blog, and connect with other teachers from all around the country that participate in LADDERS!
Link to LADDERS discussion Blog
