Teaching Children Science: A Project-Based Approach, 2/e

Joe Krajcik, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Charlene Czerniak, University of Toledo
Carl Berger, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

How Do I Develop and Use Benchmark Lessons?

THE INVERTED JAR

Materials Needed:


1		Slowly pour water into a jar. Fill the jar to the edge. Place a note card over the mouth of the jar. Now hold the card in place and turn the jar and card over. Ask students to predict what will happen if you let the card go. Let the card go. What happens? Variation 1: Stretch two layers of cheesecloth over the mouth of a jar and hold them in place with a rubber band. Pour water into the jar slowly. What do students think will happen if you quickly turn the jar over? Try it. What happens? Variation 2: To add some excitement, have a student sit in a chair and turn the jar and card over the student's head (do this only after you have practiced a few times).



2		What concepts are covered in this discrepant event that serve as a central focus in a benchmark lesson? For what driving question might this discrepant event provide a benchmark lesson?



3		Interview the students. What are their questions? What do they want to learn more about after having seen the discrepant event?



4		Record your observations and thoughts in your portfolio.

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