Using Evidence to Plan

Grade: 2nd Grade

Subject: Science

Duration: 40 minutes

Class Size: 16 Students

Lesson Purpose

In this lesson, students will learn how to use evidence to make predictions and plan investigations, closely aligned with the Amplify Science 1.8 unit. The focus is on observing, gathering, and analyzing evidence to plan simple experiments, developing critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills consistent with the Common Core State Standards.

Common Core State Standards Alignment

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Integration for 2nd grade (aligned with Common Core emphasis on literacy in science):

2-PS1-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.3: Describe the connection between a series of scientific steps or events in a text (supports explanation of planning investigation).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.4: Tell a story or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking audibly in coherent sentences (supports oral explanation of evidence).
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP2: Reason abstractly and quantitatively (used when making predictions based on evidence).

Learning Objective

Students will be able to use evidence from prior observations to plan a simple investigation about characteristics of materials (using glue as the context).
Students will explain their reasoning orally using scientific vocabulary and supporting details.
Students will engage in collaborative planning to develop a tested plan for a materials investigation.

Materials Needed

Variety of types of glue (white glue, glue stick, natural glues like tree sap or flour paste)
Sample materials to glue (paper, fabric, wood pieces, plastic, cardboard)
Observation journals or worksheets for drawing and writing
Chart paper and markers
Sticky notes for student ideas
Timer/clock for pacing the lesson
Digital projector/tablet for showing instructional slides (if available)

Technology Use

Use a digital slideshow with visuals of different glues, materials, and scientific inquiry steps to support comprehension.
Optional use of a tablet for students to record short audio explanations describing their evidence and predictions (engages speaking and listening CCSS).

Lesson Flow

Activity 1: Engage & Observe (10 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge and gather initial evidence through observation

Display samples of different glues and materials.
In pairs, students observe and discuss what they notice about each glue and material's properties (texture, color, thickness).
Record 2-3 observations on sticky notes and place on a class chart under “What we know about glues.”
Teacher models thinking aloud about how these observations might help plan an investigation.

Supports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1: Participating in collaborative conversations.

Activity 2: Evidence-Based Prediction (8 minutes)

Objective: Use observation evidence to make logical predictions

Introduce the question: “Which glue will stick best to each material?”
Model a prediction-making process: "Based on what we saw, which glue do you think will work best for paper? Why?"
Students write or draw their prediction in their journal with at least one piece of evidence supporting it.
Volunteers share their predictions orally, explaining their evidence.

Supports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.8: Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.

Activity 3: Plan the Investigation (12 minutes)

Objective: Collaboratively design an investigation plan using evidence

In small groups of 4, students decide:
- Which material(s) and glue(s) they want to test based on their observations and predictions.
- What steps they will take to test how well the glue sticks (e.g., apply glue, let dry, test strength by pulling paper).
Provide a simple graphic organizer template for groups to sketch and list steps.
Teacher circulates, prompting students to refer back to their evidence to justify their plans.

Supports NGSS 2-PS1-1 and CCSS speaking/listening standards for explaining plans.

Activity 4: Share & Reflect (10 minutes)

Objective: Communicate planned investigation and reflect on evidence use

Each group briefly presents their plan to the class using the chart paper or organizer. Encourage use of scientific vocabulary and evidence-backed reasoning.
Teacher writes “What we learned about planning with evidence” on chart paper and records key points mentioned by students.
Close with a formative assessment: “How did evidence help us make decisions today?” Discuss orally.

Supports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.4: Speaking audibly to describe ideas and reasoning.

Assessment

Formative assessment of participation in discussions and group planning.
Review of student journals/worksheets for evidence-based predictions.
Observation of group presentations assessing clarity and use of scientific vocabulary and evidence.

Differentiation & Modifications

Provide sentence starters for writing predictions (e.g., "I think ___ glue will work best because...").
Offer visual supports and gestures when introducing new vocabulary.
For students needing extension, challenge them to think about variables that could affect glue strength (e.g., weather, drying time).

Anticipated Challenges & Solutions

Challenge: Some students may struggle to connect observations to predictions.
Solution: Use structured prompts and model thinking steps multiple times.
Challenge: Limited attention span on unknown procedures.
Solution: Use high-energy, hands-on engagement and incorporate timers for each activity segment.

Reflection for Teachers

Observe student ability to distinguish evidence from opinion during predictions.
Consider adapting future lessons to include actual testing of glue strength to deepen inquiry skills.
Reflect on student collaboration dynamics and offer more scaffolding if one group struggles to make a plan.

This detailed and evidence-focused lesson plan is crafted to meet second graders exactly where they are with a fun, hands-on experience that meets multiple Common Core standards and integrates Amplify Science 1.8 curriculum approaches.

Teaching Instructions