Objectives: Today we will… So that we can… Debrief Termite Lab Draft our conclusions Accessing our e-text and website So that we can… Write scientific conclusions that are supported with evidence and connected to background knowledge.

Bell Work: Please open your binders to your termite lab. On a whiteboard, please write “observation” or “inference” for each statement below: The termite liked the black line best. The termite followed the blue circle for 1 minute. The termite smelled the papermate ink more strongly than the other brands. Ask “where in my lab should I find observations?” “Should I find any inferences in my lab?” (yes) “where should they be?” (In my conclusions and we should make clear that they are inferences by using words like ‘We conclude…’ ‘The data seems to suggest…’ Etc) Give students time to check and revise labs re observations and inferences.

Debrief: Variables Square is drawn with Bic ink, circle with Papermate, and triangle with Gel. List all of the variables in this investigation. Follow ups: What can you conclude if the termite spends all of his time on the red square? What would you investigate next? Observe the termite and time how long he spends on each shape.

Debrief: Variables All boxes drawn with Papermate pens. Identify the IV and DV in this investigation. Follow ups: What testable question could be answered with this investigation? (hint: When in doubt, use “How does __IV__ affect __DV__?” format.) What could you conclude if the termite followed all of the boxes? What could you conclude if the termite followed only the blue box? What would your follow up investigation be? What is the square shape in this investigation? (a controlled variable) Name another controlled variable? Observe the termite and time how long he spends on each shape.

Debrief: Variables Gel Bic Papermate Identify the IV and DV in this investigation. Follow ups: What testable question could be answered with this investigation? What could you conclude if the termite followed all of the boxes? What could you conclude if the termite followed the Bic and Papermate lines, but not the Gel? What would your follow up investigation be? Observe the termite and count how many times he leaves each line.

Debrief: Variables Square is drawn with Bic ink, circle with Papermate, and triangle with Gel. Identify the IV and DV in this investigation. Follow ups: What testable question could be answered with this investigation? What could you conclude if the termite followed the circle? What’s problematic about this investigation? How could you improve it? Observe the termite and time how long he spends on each shape.

Debrief: Variables All boxes drawn with Gel pens. Identify the IV and DV in this investigation. Follow ups: What testable question could be answered with this investigation? What could you conclude if the termite followed none of the boxes? What would your follow up investigation be? What’s problematic about this investigation? (The DV is not measurable.) Observe the termite’s behavior.

Writing Conclusions: Give each student 4 different color highlighters. Show conclusions exemplar on doc cam. Highlight each element of rubric and corresponding sections of text in different color. In the interest of time, model process for students. (There is a self-reflection on the back of the exemplar. I probably won’t take time to do this in class, but will tell students it is available.)

Work Time – With Your Lab Partner: Please share your conclusion planning template and give each other feedback. REVISE YOUR PLANNING. Does your conclusion statement answer your testable question(s)? Was your conclusion the same or different as your partner? Why? Is there any evidence that your partner discussed that you didn’t? How could you include it in your conclusion? How did your partner tie their conclusion to our background knowledge about termites? Did you make the same connections?

Work Time - Individual: You have the remaining time today to draft your conclusion. This is what you will be turning in for a grade on this lab, so this work must be done individually. If you have questions, please raise your hand so that I can help you. Please do not ask your neighbor  Use your planning template and the exemplar as a guide!

Homework: Final, polished termite lab conclusions are DUE TUESDAY. You must turn in a hard copy of your conclusion stapled to your lab packet and rubric sheet. (The conclusion should be on top, the lab packet in the middle, and the rubric sheet on the back.) If you cannot print at home, there is printing available in the school library for 5 cents per page. Be sure to plan ahead 

Accessing Our Textbook: Go to http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/ Log in with the same username and password you use for your history textbook or create a new account. Click the “Add” button next to your list of textbooks. Enter the code passed out in class on the sheet called “Setting Up & Accessing Your Online Biology Textbook.” The code can also be found in our syllabus. Print half sheets

Our Class Website: www.prospectridgeacademy.org Click on “Academics” Select “High School” Click on “Classes” and then “9th Grade Biology/9th Grade Biology Honors” General information will be posted on the class page. Daily power points/assignments will be posted on the calendar, which can be accessed from my main teacher page. Click “Subscribe” to BOTH my teacher page and the class page.