Course 5 of 6 in Good Science Series
You have probably learned about cause and effect before, but it isn’t always as simple as it might seem. Learn how to tell whether one event really causes another to happen. Test your ideas about what makes the best ramp and see if you can figure out what causes plants to do some cool tricks!
By the end of this course, the student should be able to:
» use patterns to make predictions about cause and effect relationships
» carry out simple experiments to test ideas about cause and effect
» explain how correlation differs from causation
Supplies Needed:
» science journal
» pencil
» 3 potted seedlings (same species)
» water
» foil or plastic wrap
» small ball or toy car
» ramp-making supplies
» ruler or tape measure
» camera optional
» baking powder optional
» measuring spoon optional
Suggested Pacing:
Day 1 – Getting Started and gather the Supplies Needed
Day 2 – The Investigation a – b
Day 3 – The Investigation c
Day 4 – The Investigation d
Day 5 – The Investigation e and What’s Next?
NGSS Standards:
Crosscutting Concepts (CCC)
» Cause and Effect (Grades K-2, 3-5 and MS)
- Before starting this course you must complete the required prerequisite course: Smart Peg Safety