Active Reading Teacher’s Guide

Overview

This active reading lesson consists of three parts. It includes:

1. A reading with sidebar questions.

2. A review sheet.
3. A Keystone Eligible Content sheet.

All three sections are intended to be completed in-class, though you might choose to assign the
Keystone Eligible Content sheet as homework instead. The pacing is flexible and can be adjusted to suit
your students’ needs.

Suggested teaching method:

❶ Hand out the reading for the students to complete in-class. Students should read it silently
and answer the sidebar questions on their own.

❷ Go over the reading with the students and add any additional teacher markups. (My
suggestions are shown in blue in the answer key). Then, go over the answers to the sidebar
questions.

 Steps 1 and 2 should take about 40 minutes to complete for most lessons.

This time may vary due to the size or difficulty of the lesson and prior knowledge.

 Modification for students who need more help:

Hand out the reading and read it together in-class. You might ask students to volunteer
to read or go around the room.

At the end of each page, mark up the text and answer the sidebar questions together.

In the next class period, have your students complete the lesson review sheet on their own.
❸ Then, go over the answers with them.

Complete your own practice, labs and activities to reinforce the information. Suggested labs
❹ and activities can be found in the corresponding Biology Course Outline in my TPT store.

❺ Just before your students are tested on the information, check their understanding with the
Keystone Eligible Content short essay questions. After they finish this sheet, review it with
them.
 Scientific Concepts
Big Idea: The scientific method is a systematic approach to answering questions about the world we live in. Laws,
hypotheses, and theories are scientific statements about the phenomena we observe.

1. Recall an example of how

you used the scientific
The Scientific Method method to solve a problem
this past week.
Researchers use the scientific method
to answer questions and explore ways
to solve problems. The scientific
method was established to prove
hypotheses via observations,
measurements, and experimentation.
It has since been used as a guide for
scientists in their quest for knowledge.

Although sometimes condensed or

broken into more parts, the scientific 2. Explain what we learn from
method consists of steps organized in a a hypothesis that has been
logical manner. This makes it easier to Figure 1: The scientific method. rejected.
follow and repeat.

• Step 1: Make an observation and ask a question.

• Step 2: Gather background information and form a hypothesis
that answers the question.
• Step 3: Perform an experiment and collect data. Repeat the
experiment to verify the data.
• Step 4: Analyze the data.
• Step 5: Conclude whether to accept or reject the hypothesis.
If rejected, go back to step 2.
• Step 6: Share the information with others. 3. Imagine you are a chef
working on a new recipe.
Even if you are not a scientist, you use many of these steps to solve What would occur during the
everyday problems of your own. For example, if you observed that experiment and result phase?
your TV remote stopped working, you would likely hypothesize that
the batteries were dead. You would then test your hypothesis by
replacing the batteries and checking if the remote worked. If it didn’t,
you would reject your hypothesis and try something different. In this
way, you’ve used the scientific method without even thinking about it.
 4. Identify two characteristics
Did you know? of a good hypothesis.
The scientific method is not attributed to any one person. Instead, it
grew from the methods of multiple well-known scientists dating back to
the 4th century B.C. From Aristotle, to Francis Bacon, to Galileo, to Isaac
Newton, the scientific method has evolved over time.

Law, Hypothesis, and Theory

There are three main types of scientific statements that are classified
5. Hypothesize how placing a
by the information they explain.
plant under only green light
A hypothesis is a possible explanation for an observation. A valid might affect its growth.
hypothesis must be testable. If the evidence collected does not
support the hypothesis, it can be rejected, and a new hypothesis can
be formed. Most hypotheses are written as “If…then…” statements.
They are sometimes referred to as “educated guesses,” but a
hypothesis is never uninformed. Rather, scientists rely on prior
knowledge to form a hypothesis.

Bad hypothesis: Smoking causes lung cancer.

Good hypothesis: If smoking causes lung cancer, then people who

smoke will have a higher rate of developing lung cancer than those
who do not.

Good hypothesis: People who smoke will have a higher rate of 6. Identify the main difference
developing lung cancer. between a scientific theory
and law.
Scientific laws are statements about observations of phenomena
under certain conditions. Laws tell us what happens, but do not
explain why it happens. Scientific laws are accepted as truth because
they are observed to always work. Most scientific laws are
mathematical equations. Some examples include the Law of Gravity,
Boyle’s Gas Laws, and the Law of Conservation of Energy.

A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation that includes

related facts, laws, and verified hypotheses. Theories must be able to
explain past events and predict new observations. They are supported
by data and evidence. Over time, theories evolve and can be replaced
as new evidence is acquired. In general, theories are backed by
enough information that scientists consider them correct and highly
reliable. Some examples of famous theories include the Theory of
Evolution, the Cell Theory, and Atomic Theory.
 7. Create a hypothesis and
The Experimental Process
underline the independent
When designing an experiment to test a hypothesis, scientists use an variable.
independent and dependent variable. The independent variable is
what is changed or controlled during the experiment. The dependent
variable is what is being tested and measured. As the independent
variable is changed, the effects on the dependent variable are
measured and recorded. A good hypothesis will state both the
independent and dependent variables. Look at the following
experiment:

8. Determine from the

following hypothesis the
dependent and independent
variables.

If you drink coffee before bed,

then it will take more time to fall
asleep.

Good experiments have both an experimental and control group. An

experimental group receives the independent variable, while a
control group does not. In the end, the two groups are compared to
determine if there is a difference. It is important to note that both the
control and experimental group should be similar in all other aspects.
This ensures that only the independent variable can make the
difference. 9. Describe your classroom
using qualitative data.
The data that is collected during an experiment can be qualitative or
quantitative. Qualitative data is not a numerical measurement.
Instead, it is a description. By contrast, quantitative data is a quantity
or measurement. For example, if the height of a plant is described as
“tall,” it is qualitative data. If instead the height is measured as 15.5
inches, then it is quantitative data.

Qualitative Quantitative
It smells like cherries. 6 foot 3 inches
The color is red. 145 lbs
It tastes sour. 98.6oF
It is short. 0.45 meters
 Scientific Concepts Review
Mixed Review:

1. Identify the following as either a good hypothesis (G) or bad hypothesis (B).
_____a. If a hermit crab is given a choice between shells, then it will pick the most colorful
shell.

_____b. If there are clouds, then it might rain.

_____c. The height of the plant is not affected by temperature.

_____d. If sugar is added to cold water, then it will not dissolve as well as if it were added to
warm water.

_____e. The football team will do better this year.

_____f. My dog is smarter than your dog.

_____g. If I drink caffeinated tea at night, then then it will take longer to fall asleep.

2. Determine if the following is a theory (T), law (L), or hypothesis (H).

_____a. Force equals the mass multiplied by the acceleration.

_____b. If leaf color is affected by temperature, then lowering the temperature will cause a
green leaf to change color.

_____c. Evolution states that species of organisms change over time because of changes in
inherited physical or behavioral traits.

_____d. For a fixed amount of an ideal gas kept at a fixed temperature, the pressure and
volume are inversely proportional.

_____e. With the development of the microscope, scientists found that all organisms are
composed of cells and all cells come from other cells.

_____f. If I add salt to water, then the boiling point will lower.
3. For the upcoming science fair, you want to determine if a white or colored candle takes longer to
melt down.

• Create a hypothesis and underline the independent and dependent variable.

• Describe the experimental design that will test your hypothesis.

4. Change the following statements into a good hypothesis.

Adding salt to the soil may affect the growth of grass.

Plants will grow better in soil than in just water.

Cinnamon oil can help repel mosquitos.

Temperature affects how quickly bread molds.

5. Pick a hypothesis from question #4 and identify the independent and dependent variables. What
would be your control and experimental group?
1. Distinguish the difference between a scientific theory and law.

2. Explain the characteristics of a good hypothesis and give an example.

3. In your classroom, you observe that the type of liquid seems to affect the absorbency of the paper
towels. You design an experiment to find out if saltwater or sugar water changes the volume that is
absorbed.
• Create a hypothesis for the experiment.
• Identify the control and experimental groups.
• Create a sample data table containing quantitative data.
 Scientific Concepts
Big Idea: The scientific method is a systematic approach to answering questions about the world we live in. Laws,
hypotheses, and theories are scientific statements about the phenomena we observe.

1. Recall an example of how

you used the scientific
The Scientific Method method to solve a problem
this past week.
Researchers use the scientific method wireless earbuds were

to answer questions and explore ways My

the music from
to solve problems. The scientific not playing
that
I thought
method was established to prove my phone
.

hypotheses via observations, were not connecting

they
measurements, and experimentation. properly ,
so I manually
It has since been used as a guide for the
bluetooth
reset
scientists in their quest for knowledge. connection
and
they
worked .

Although sometimes condensed or

broken into more parts, the scientific 2. Explain what we learn from
method consists of steps organized in a a hypothesis that has been
logical manner. This makes it easier to Figure 1: The scientific method. rejected.
follow and repeat.
A rejected hypothesis
still helps us
by
• Step 1: Make an observation and ask a question.
s
• Step 2: Gather background information and form a hypothesis eliminating possibilities .

B we also discover
that answers the question. may
n
n
T in
even
S
±
s
• Step 3: Perform an experiment and collect data. Repeat the something new

I 0
experiment to verify the data. = a failed experiment .

P u
s 8 n
• Step 4: Analyze the data.
G E e
• Step 5: Conclude whether to accept or reject the hypothesis.
not If rejected, go back to step 2.
E. Eh • Step 6: Share the information with others. 3. Imagine you are a chef
* working on a new recipe.
Even if you are not a scientist, you use many of these steps to solve What would occur during the
everyday problems of your own. For example, if you observed that experiment and result phase?
your TV remote stopped working, you would likely hypothesize that
During the experiment
the batteries were dead. You would then test your hypothesis by would create
replacing the batteries and checking if the remote worked. If it didn’t, portion I ,

a recipe Then for the

you would reject your hypothesis and try something different. In this ,
.

way, you’ve used the scientific method without even thinking about it. results I would judge
and do
the appearance
steps of the
problem solving uses a taste test .

Scientific method .
 4. Identify two characteristics
Did you know? of a good hypothesis.
The scientific method is not attributed to any one person. Instead, it -
must be testable
grew from the methods of multiple well-known scientists dating back to
the 4th century B.C. From Aristotle, to Francis Bacon, to Galileo, to Isaac
Newton, the scientific method has evolved over time. . based on prior
knowledge

Law, Hypothesis, and Theory

There are three main types of scientific statements that are classified
5. Hypothesize how placing a
by the information they explain.
Use If
"
then
"
plant under only green light
← . . .

A hypothesis is a possible explanation for an observation. A valid might affect its growth.
hypothesis must be testable. If the evidence collected does not is
-
If a
plant
support the hypothesis, it can be rejected, and a new hypothesis can under a
placed green
be formed. Most hypotheses are written as “If…then…” statements. it will
They are sometimes referred to as “educated guesses,” but a light , then
not tall
hypothesis is never uninformed. Rather, scientists rely on prior grow as .

knowledge to form a hypothesis.

→

Bad hypothesis: Smoking causes lung cancer.

Good hypothesis: If smoking causes lung cancer, then people who

smoke will have a higher rate of developing lung cancer than those
who do not.

Good hypothesis: People who smoke will have a higher rate of 6. Identify the main difference
developing lung cancer. between a scientific theory
mathematical does Not explain
← usually ,
and law.
Scientific laws are statements about observations of phenomena
A law does not include
under certain conditions. Laws tell us what happens, but do not
of
explain why it happens. Scientific laws are accepted as truth because an explanation why
they are observed to always work. Most scientific laws are A
something happens .

mathematical equations. Some examples include the Law of Gravity,

theory does give an
Boyle’s Gas Laws, and the Law of Conservation of Energy.
explanation .

A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation that includes

related facts, laws, and verified hypotheses. Theories must be able to
explain past events and predict new observations. They are supported
by data and evidence. Over time, theories evolve and can be replaced
as new evidence is acquired. In general, theories are backed by
enough information that scientists consider them correct and highly
reliable. Some examples of famous theories include the Theory of
Evolution, the Cell Theory, and Atomic Theory.
 I. V - what is changed
is measured 7. Create a hypothesis and
The Experimental Process D. V what
-

or
observed underline the independent
When designing an experiment to test a hypothesis, scientists use an variable.
is
independent and dependent variable. The independent variable is If the goldfish
what is changed or controlled during the experiment. The dependent
variable is what is being tested and measured. As the independent
affected by water
then
variable is changed, the effects on the dependent variable are temperature ,

measured and recorded. A good hypothesis will state both the lowering the temperature
independent and dependent variables. Look at the following will lower its respiration
experiment: rate .

8. Determine from the

following hypothesis the
IT dependent and independent
Tv
variables.

If you drink coffee before bed,-

then it will take more time to fall -

asleep.
-

variable -

Dependent
time to fall asleep

Independent variable
-

Good experiments have both an experimental and control group. An coffee before
experimental group receives the independent variable, while a drinking
control group does not. In the end, the two groups are compared to
'
bed
determine if there is a difference. It is important to note that both the
#
control and experimental group should be similar in all other aspects.
This ensures that only the independent variable can make the
difference. = 9. Describe your classroom
using qualitative data.
The data that is collected during an experiment can be qualitative or
has blue
quantitative. Qualitative data is not a numerical measurement. My classroom
Instead, it is a description. By contrast, quantitative data is a quantity and white walls and
or measurement. For example, if the height of a plant is described as shaped
is square .

“tall,” it is qualitative data. If instead the height is measured as 15.5

inches, then it is quantitative data. "
Quantity " #
Qualitative Quantitative
It smells like cherries. 6 foot 3 inches
The color is red. 145 lbs
It tastes sour. 98.6oF
It is short. 0.45 meters
 Scientific Concepts Review
Mixed Review:

1. Identify the following as either a good hypothesis (G) or bad hypothesis (B).
G
_____a. If a hermit crab is given a choice between shells, then it will pick the most colorful
shell. IT DT

prediction B
_____b. Jmight rain.
If there are clouds, then it glnoeuadnsrdainnot always
not specific
if )
{
_____c. The height of the plant is not affected by temperature. ( better as . - then
DT
_____d. If sugar is added to cold water, then it will not dissolve as well as if it were added to
warm water. Iemp F
"

?
"

B
_____e. @ this year.
The football team will do better what is do better

B
_____f. My dog is smarter than your dog. How is
"
smarter
' '
tested ?
G
_____g. If I drink caffeinated tea at night, then then it will take longer to fall asleep.
IT DT

2. Determine if the following is a theory (T), law (L), or hypothesis (H).

L
_____a. Force equals the mass multiplied by the acceleration.
H
_____b. If leaf color is affected by temperature, then lowering the temperature will cause a
-
-

green leaf to change color.

T
_____c. Evolution states that species of organisms change over time because of changes in
inherited physical or behavioral traits.
L
_____d. For a fixed amount of an ideal gas kept at a fixed temperature, the pressure and
volume are inversely proportional.
T
_____e. With the development of the microscope, scientists found that all organisms are
composed of cells and all cells come from other cells.
H
_____f. If I add salt to water, then the boiling point will lower.
- -
3. For the upcoming science fair, you want to determine if a white or colored candle takes longer to
melt down.

• Create a hypothesis and underline the independent and dependent variable.

• Describe the experimental design that will test your hypothesis.
DV
If the burn time of a candle is affected by
will
-

IV then blue candle

the fth# ,
a

faster than white candle

burn a .

blue and natural white candle of the same

A
will burn for 3 hours
size shape a
weight
.

,
will be measured
The height of
remaining wax .

4. Change the following statements into a good hypothesis.

Adding salt to the soil may affect the growth of grass.
If salt is added to the soil
,
then the grass
will not as
grow high .

Plants will grow better in soil than in just water.

a
If so it affects the growth of a
plant ,
then
have leaves than a
plant grown in soil
-
will more
in water
plant grown .

Cinnamon oil can help repel mosquitos.

like cinnamon oil then
If mosquitos do not ,
with
less mosquitos will be in an area sprayed
cinnamon oil .

Temperature affects how quickly bread molds. it

If bread is placed in the refrigerator then ,

will mold slower than at room temperature .

5. Pick a hypothesis from question #4 and identify the independent and dependent variables. What
would be your control and experimental group?
IV
If aHisatot ,
then the grass
will not
grow as
high
DV
soil without salt
control -

of
soil with different amounts
experimental
-

salt added
 1. Distinguish the difference between a scientific theory and law.
but does not
A law tells us what happens ,

happens Many
are
it laws
explain why . .

mathematical equations .

A explains why something happens

theory backed and hypotheses
by facts laws .

and is ,

prior knowledge
2. Explain the characteristics of a good hypothesis and give an example.
is based
good hypothesis
on
A
and is a testable
statement .
It is usually
statement with "
then
"

written as an If . . .

and dependent Variable

independent
.

a clear

3. In your classroom, you observe that the type of liquid seems to affect the absorbency of the paper
towels. You design an experiment to find out if saltwater or sugar water changes the volume that is
absorbed.
• Create a hypothesis for the experiment.
• Identify the control and experimental groups.
• Create a sample data table containing quantitative data.

towels is affected by the

If a paper absorbency
solute dissolved in water ,
then adding salt or sugar
will reduce the absorbency .

* control : water
plain *

experimental :
ssi;÷¥%e . Sugar 36 mL
 Terms of Use
Thank you for your purchase! By purchasing this resource, you are agreeing that the contents
are the property of Scientifically Inspired and licensed to you only for classroom/personal
use as a single user. I retain the copyright and reserve all rights to this product.

YOU MAY:

 Make copies and distribute to the students in a single classroom.

 Reference this product in blog posts, at seminars, professional development workshops, or

other such venues PROVIDED there is credit given to myself as the author and a link back to
my TPT store is included in your post/presentation.

 Distribute and make copies of free items only to other teachers PROVIDED there is credit
given to Scientifically Inspired and a link back to my TPT store.

YOU MAY NOT:

 Claim this work as your own, alter the files in any way, or remove/attempt to remove the
copyright/watermarks.

 Sell the files or combine them into another unit for sale/free.

 Post this document for sale/free elsewhere on the internet.

 Make copies of purchased items to share with others. It is strictly forbidden and is a
violation of the Terms of Use, along with copyright law.

 Obtain this product through any of the channels listed above.

If you encounter an issue with your file, notice an error, or are in any way experiencing a
problem, please contact me at scientificallyinspired@[Link] and I will be more than happy
to help sort it out!

Thank you!

© 2019 Scientifically Inspired