Lesson overview

Students work scientifically by writing a method to test a hypothesis and then practise this in an exam setting. The context of the lesson is Dr Ceri Lewis’ work into the impact of ocean acidification on copepods, a type of zooplankton with calcium carbonate shells. The lesson builds on students’ prior knowledge of the environmental impact of anthropogenic CO2 production.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the wider context and learning outcomes
• Identify variables for a hypothesis
• Write a logical step-by-step method
• Describe how to control common hazards
• Demonstrate learning

Lesson steps

1. Brief from Dr Ceri Lewis (10 mins)
   Use the slides to set the context and share the learning outcomes.
2. Deconstructing a scientific plan (15 mins)
   Using slides, students learn how to identify variables from a hypothesis.
   Using the method for the practical in Step 3 and a mark scheme, students analyse the structure of a scientific plan.
3. Practical work (20 mins)
   Students investigate how increasing ocean acidity can lead to the corrosion of shells.
4. Exam Style Question (15 mins)
   Students write a method from an exam style question, set from a slide.

England

Science Key Stage 3

• Working scientifically.
  Observing over time.
  Design a fair experiment to test a hypothesis.

Biology / Chemistry

• Describe the reaction of acids.
• Explain the impact of human production of carbon dioxide on the environment and climate.

USA

NGSS Grades 5-8

• Earth and Human Activity
  MS-ESS3-3. Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.

• Science and Engineering Practices
  Planning and carrying out investigations.
  Analyzing and interpreting data.
  Using mathematics.