Save Fred!!!

Every middle school science teacher discusses the scientific method at the beginning of the year.  How scientist make an observation in nature and become curious about how it work so they pose a question.  Based off of this question they conduct research into the concepts but still have some overlaying question which needs answering and they predict a potential, logical answer to this question.  After designing and conducting an experiment and collecting the subsequent data, they make conclusions about the data relating to the question and determine if their initial guess was correct or incorrect and blah blah blah blah

I can see why students find this boring.  If you do a piss-poor job at introducing the scientific method, the students will tune you out for the week you need to teach it.  Because on the surface, the scientific method is extremely dull.  There isn't much there.  Its just a flow chart of what has to be done to figure out information.  But if you can show students how to apply it and apply it to something other than "science," then you will have them right where you want them:  engaged and fascinated that you were able to relate to them and simplify something that was already simple

Now this is where I introduce Fred.  He is a gummy worm out at sea in his little plastic cup boat.  Fred is enjoying the weather and the fact he isn't at the end of someone's fishing line.  But Fred's peace and relaxation is about the end.  A rogue wave has come along and capsized his boat.  Luckily, our pal Fred was able to climb on top of the boat.  Too bad Fred's life preserver (a gummi life saver) is stuck under the boat and Fred is now beginning to panic when he learns this since he cannot swim.

Once the back story has been explained, the students now will work in small groups to save Fred.  The only tools to use are three metal paper clips.  Students can modify the paper clips in any way to save Fred but they cannot (students hate it when you add this next part in) use their hands to physically touch Fred, the boat, or the life preserver.  And in order to save Fred (this is when the kids really groan and complain) you must place the life preserve securely around Fred's body. 

After a few failed attempts, students figure out why they need to accomplish and the activity goes precisely to plan.  What students do not realize (for one thing I haven't taught the sci meth yet but for the other I have yet to use the words) is they are performing the scientific method doing a basic yet challenging activity.  They were presented a problem with background info.  They came up with potential solutions, tested them and saw if it worked or not.  If it did not work, they modified what they previously did.  Its the perfect activity to introduce something without really introducing it until all is said and done and Fred's family members are eaten (it is too torturous if you let middle schoolers use gummy worms without eating any).

I love it.  It goes perfectly every year and its a great thing to reference to when discussing the actual steps of the scientific method.  If only I can find something to do when introducing sponges (SpongeBob is not an option!)