LESSON PLANS ON INQUIRY BASED SCIENCE TEACHING Lesson Plan I: Inquiry based Learning Lesson Plan Meryem Nur AYDEDE YALCIN Nigde University, Turkey Course Science and Technology Grade 8 Learning Space Living creatures and life Unit Name / Number Organisms and energy relations Subject Process of decomposition. Suggested time 40' + 40' Objectives Students will observe and begin to understand the process of decomposition. Part II Steps of the learning process -Students will observe that teacher has gathered decomposing materials in his bags. Students predict and record the changes in the contents of the plastic bags. -Students will form groups and each group will start to discuss the following questions; -Compare the changes with your predictions -Where did you notice this kind of change before? -Where did you see examples of once-living things that changed and decomposed in the environment? -If leaves, twigs, old plant stems, and other natural materials are constantly dying and falling to the ground, why do you think we're not buried under them? -Explain to students that the same type of changes that occur in the bags constantly also occur outdoors. Once-living materials are broken down by millions of microscopic bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers. Ask: "How could we set up an investigation to examine whether soil helps once-living things to decompose?" -Students will work in small groups to design investigations. -Students will meet with the teacher to discuss small-group plans. -Whole-class discussion of plans for observation and care. Develop recording sheets. (Data collection could include measurable changes in weight, height, and temperature, Homework: Find out what your city or town does with materials that take a long time to decompose, and how we can reduce the amount of these materials in the environment and recycle what is already around
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