1. STEM Fair: Purpose and Hypothesis
5th Grade
Inquiry Monday, Week 4
Power point is to provide pacing. The lesson plan template provides the specific details.

2. What’s the Purpose?
Scientists always have a reason behind their experiments, which is called the purpose. The purpose is more than just restating the question—it should explain why the question is being explored and who may benefit from the information that may be gained.
AT: 2-3 min
Log stop: What is the purpose of our STEM Fair experiment? Who will benefit from this information? Please remember to title this section “purpose.” Don’t forget to add the date too!

3. Sample Log: The Purpose
AT: 1-2 min

4. Process Skill Connection:
Predicting
Hypothesizing
Making a Hypothesis:
When we make a hypothesis we write what we believe will happen supported by a “because statement” based on our research. We must include evidence from our research to justify our thinking when we write a hypothesis.
A hypothesis is neither right or wrong, but provides guidance to the development of the experiment.
AT: 1-2 min
Predicting – Forming an idea of an expected result.
Hypothesizing – Stating a problem to be solved as a question that can be tested by an experiment.

5. Sample Log: Recording our Hypothesis
AT: 1-2 min

6. Reflect in your log
How is a hypothesis different from a guess? What research did you include in your hypothesis? Is your hypothesis something you can test?