What Scientists Do

Content Objectives

Children will:

• Learn about the concept of what scientists do.
• Access prior knowledge and build background about what a scientist is and how they do their jobs.
• Explore and apply knowledge about tools scientists use and things they invent.

Language Objectives

Children will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of what scientists do.
• Orally use words that name tools scientists use.
• Extend oral vocabulary by speaking about the concept of invention.
• Use key concept words [scientist, microscope, experiment, discover, invention].

Other

Explain

• Use the slideshow to review the key concept words.
• Explain that children are going to learn about scientists:
• What kinds of things scientists use and study.
• What is an experiment.
• What is an invention.

Model

• After the host introduces the slideshow, point to the photo on screen. Ask children: What are some things scientists have invented? (televisions, computers, light bulbs, etc.)
• Ask children: What are some things scientists help us learn more about? (animals, outer space, our bodies, etc.)
• Say: Scientists do a lot of research, and after many experiments, or tests, they invent, or create things. What are some tools scientists use? (microscope, telescope, test tube, etc.)

Guided Practice

• Guide children through the various tools scientists use, asking what each tool does. Always have the children identify the tool.

Apply

• Play the games that follow. Have them discuss with their partner the different topics that appear during the Talk About It feature.
• After the first game, ask children to think of a simple experiment that they would be able to conduct in class. After the second game, have them discuss whether they would like to be a scientist.

Close

• Ask children: Do you have any ideas for a great invention? Draw a picture of your invention and talk about what it does.
• Say: Scientists have made many important discoveries. Being a scientist is a lot of hard work but it can be a lot of fun, and you can make a difference. Think about some of the great things scientists have discovered.