Validating sources of information, and using empirical approaches…
Validating sources of information, and using empirical approaches such as trial and error and examining mistakes to identify their source. Students test an internet 'fact' with their own measurements (strategies are not tied to a single year).
The Québec Education Program: Science and Technology outcome (Strategies) for Grades 1–6 says: “Validating sources of information, and using empirical approaches such as trial and error and examining mistakes to identify their source. Students test an internet 'fact' with their own measurements (strategies are not tied to a single year).” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: Québec Education Program: Science and Technology.
Evidence Lab Grade 4
How do you know something is true? Students test a claim with their own measurements, find out why one result is never enough, and learn to tell strong evidence from weak.
- How do you know a fact is true? 45–60 min
Students test an internet 'fact', that your arm span is exactly the same as your height, by measuring themselves and pooling the whole class's data. Then they rank different kinds of evidence from strong to weak and decide how true the claim really is.
- Why do scientists repeat their tests? 45–60 min
Students build two paper helicopters, one with long wings and one with short wings, and time each one falling five times. They find that the same drop never gives exactly the same time, and use their repeated trials to decide whether the wing change really made a difference.
More Quebec Grades 1–6 science outcomes we teach
Every Quebec Grades 1–6 science curriculum outcome we teach
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