Science lesson plan · 6th grade (Year 7 in England) · 45 minutes
Repeat readings, means and anomalies
Working scientifically
CCSS NGSS.SEP 5England: KS3 Working scientifically
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Repeat readings, means and anomalies.
- I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
- I can explain each step and say why it works.
- I can check my answer and spot a mistake.
Before and after
Needs first: Reading tables and line graphs
Leads to: Accuracy, precision, errors and significant figures; Interpreting data from tables and graphs
Materials: Simple equipment for a fair test, Results table template, Mini whiteboards, A diagram or short video clip of the idea, Printed student sheet (below).
Warm-up · 5 min
- Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Reading tables and line graphs). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- Water temperature (°C) → Time to dissolve (s) 2 → 64 20 → 58 6 → 52 20 → 46 25 → 40 What happens to “Time to dissolve (s)” as “Water temperature (°C)” increases? (it decreases / it stays the same / it increases / it goes up then down) → it decreasesPrompt: Read down the second column. Are the numbers getting bigger or smaller?
- Parachute area (cm²) → Time to fall (s) 10 → 24 10 → 28 15 → 32 40 → 36 10 → 40 What happens to “Time to fall (s)” as “Parachute area (cm²)” increases? (it increases / it decreases / it stays the same / it goes up then down) → it increasesPrompt: Read down the second column. Are the numbers getting bigger or smaller?
- Water temperature (°C) → Time to dissolve (s) 10 → 49 20 → 43 15 → 37 20 → 31 25 → 25 What happens to “Time to dissolve (s)” as “Water temperature (°C)” increases? (it goes up then down / it increases / it decreases / it stays the same) → it decreasesPrompt: Read down the second column. Are the numbers getting bigger or smaller?
Hook · 5 min
- Show a simple experiment with one thing changed and ask what makes it a fair test.
- Share the objective: Repeat readings, means and anomalies. Read the success criteria together.
I do: model it · 10 min
- Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
- Example: A group measured a pulse rate after exercise three times: 103, 101 and 100 bpm. What is the mean? Give your answer to 1 decimal place.
- Step 1: 103 + 101 + 100 = 304
- Step 2: 304 ÷ 3 = 101.33
- Step 3: So the answer is: 101.3 bpm
- Answer: 101.3 bpm
- Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.
We do: guided practice · 10 min
- Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
- Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
- A group measured the time for a ball to roll down a ramp three times: 32, 32 and 34 s. What is the mean? Give your answer to 1 decimal place. → 32.7 sPrompt: Add the three readings.
- Four repeat readings of a pulse rate after exercise (bpm): 131, 185, 133, 133. Which reading is anomalous (does not fit the pattern)? (185 / 131 / 133) → 185Prompt: Most of the readings are close together.
You do: independent practice · 10 min
- Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
- Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.
The 8 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.
Exit ticket · 5 min
- Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
- Four repeat readings of a pulse rate after exercise (bpm): 74, 118, 121, 121. Which reading is anomalous (does not fit the pattern)? (74 / 121 / 118) → 74Prompt: Most of the readings are close together.
- A group measured how far a toy car travelled three times: 51, 48 and 52 cm. What is the mean? Give your answer to 1 decimal place. → 50.3 cmPrompt: Add the three readings.
Watch out for
- Everyday meanings of words getting in the way of the science meaning: define key words explicitly.
- Remembering facts without the reason: ask "why?" and "what is the evidence?"
Support and stretch
Support
- Review first: Reading tables and line graphs.
- Use concrete materials: simple equipment for a fair test.
- Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
- Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.
Stretch
- Move on to: Accuracy, precision, errors and significant figures; Interpreting data from tables and graphs.
- Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
- Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.
Homework and more practice
Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-6.
Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder