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The Extensive Content of Smart Science(R) Lessons

The curriculum for a course may include any number of Smart Science® lab units, typically 15-25. A lab unit may contain videoed real experiments, traditional hands-on experiments or both, along with the supporting and assessment elements listed below. We can help you create your own content for many of these elements. Contact us about incorporating your own hands-on labs in our system.

  1. Introduction

    Introductory video or picture
    Introductory text
    Preparatory questions

  2. Hypothesis/Prediction Page

    Short procedure summary
    Student selects one or more from hypothesis/prediction list, or
    – Student may write own hypothesis/prediction
    Involves students in scientific thinking
    Optional video explaining lab

  3. Procedure Page

    In-depth explanation
    Procedure where required
    Experimental parameters
    Data collection
    Graph interpretation
    Units used
    Sources of error

  4. Vocabulary

    Words for this lab
    Link to complete science dictionary (over 900 science terms)
    Words defined in simple language
    Other useful information

  5. Videos of Real Experiments

    One for each parameter combination
    Five to thirty or more seconds duration
    May include procedural information
    Data collection from individual video frames
    Efficient compressed video format

  6. Traditonal Hands-On Experiments

    One for each parameter combination
    Data entry for data collected off line (hands-on or field work)
    Photograph upload for each off-line experiment

  7. Data Graphing

    Units and scale provided
    Points plotted as collected
    Ongoing curve fit where appropriate
    Fit parameter(s) displayed
    Goodness of fit value provided
    Uses SI units
    Type of fit preselected:

    - Fit turned off by instructor option
    - Linear
    - Quadratic
    - Sinusoidal
    - Step
    - Bar
    - None
    - Other

  8. Scientist Biography

    Picture
    Short biography
    Relevancy to lab unit

  9. Further Explorations

    Student explores subject in more depth
    Provide for high achievers
    Variety of types

    - Mathematical
    - Literature research
    - Build data tables
    - Exploration

  10. Post-activity Assessment

    Graph comprehension
    Sources of error
    Understanding units
    Scientific principles
    Standardized test preparation
    Support for students

    - Solution strategies with sample problems
    - Access to all support materials

  11. Customizable Report Form

    Hypotheses/Predictions
    Standard text sections for intermediate level

    - Introduction
    - Procedure
    - Summary
    - Additional essay questions
    - Conclusions
    - Other formats depending on level and/or customization

    Data, graphs and apparatus automatically included

  12. Answers to Questions

    Includes experiment summary
    Preview for teacher
    Review for student after taking test
    All answers include complete explanations

  13. Solution Strategies

    In-depth explanations
    Step by step approach to solving problems associated with this lab unit
    Sample problems worked out in detail

  14. Activity Plans (for teachers only)

    Provides purpose for lab
    Goals and objectives
    Explains what student should and may accomplish
    Shows content of activity for differentiated reading levels
    Gives links to introduction and review questions with answers