Science Lesson Plan

Scientific Method/ Variables

Lesson plan 5
Grade:5th
Teacher: All
Indicators:
5-1.3 Plan and conduct controlled scientific investigations, manipulating one
variable at a time.
5-1.2 Identify independent (manipulated), dependent (responding), and controlled
variables in
an experiment.
Topic: Scientific Method/ Variables
Objective: The students will be able to define and identify variables
Vocabulary:
Variable factors or condition that can be changed during an experiment
Controlled Variable- a variable that is kept the same or is unchanged
in an experiment
Manipulated OR Independent Variable- the variable that is
changed or tested in the experiment
Responding OR Dependent Variable- the variable that is the result
of the manipulated or independent variable.
Instructional Activity/ Procedure:
1. We will identify the science questions of the day. What are the three types
of variables?
2. We define what is a variable. (Notes)
3. Students will be given real life situations and asked to identify variables
that could affect that situation.
a. What variables might affect the taste of a pizza?

b. What variables might affect the miles per gallon of a car?

c. What variables might affect the score of an archer?
4. Students will then be introduced to the three types of variables.
5. We define the three different types of variables. (notes)
6. Students will be given real life situations and asked to identify
variables that could affect that situation.
a. Mrs./ Mr. __________s Class is divided into two groups.
Group A is give calculators to complete a sheet of math
problems. Group B is not given calculators to complete the
same sheet of math problems. Identify the 3 variables.
b. Five different classes of different ages were given a puzzle
to complete. The time it took each class to complete the
puzzle was recorded. Identify the 3 variables.
7. Students will then be give the sheet 3 Kinds of Variables.
Students will then be asked in pairs or individually complete the
sheet.
8. Discuss work sheet
9. We will conclude by answering the Science Questions of the day.

Materials
worksheet

Assessments:
Teacher questioning
Teacher observation
worksheet
Questions:

1. Explain how variables can change the outcome of an event?

2. Connect making variables to your own life. What are the variables that
lead to you having a good day? What variables lead to your having a bad
day?
3. What is a variable?
4. What are the three different types of variables?
5. Explain why it is important to have controlled variables in an
experiment.

***Early finishers: Science based materials are located in the room

under the sign that says Early Finishers.
Reflection