Sciman Says Teacher's Guide



			SciMan Says Super Science Game Grade Levels: 4–8
	National Standards Correlations How to Use This Game Extensions Resources		Activity Snapshot SciMan wants to turn your students into scientific thinkers! He's thinking of something related to science, and your class has to discover what it is. The SciMan will provide four clues to help students figure out the mystery science subject. These clues will be cumulative, so that each clue adds a key piece of information that must be combined with the other clues in order to reach the correct solution. Students can use the Internet to research the clues, thereby extending their technology skills as well as their scientific knowledge. Learning Objectives By participating in SciMan Says Super Science Game, students will: use problem-solving and critical thinking skills analyze clues explore topics and concepts from the 4-8 science curriculum use search terms to conduct Internet research use an online interactive form Time Required The time required for this activity is about one to two class periods. Students need time to check out the clues, determine a research strategy, conduct research, and submit their solution. Time may vary depending on the reading level and problem-solving skill of the students. Top of Page National Standards Correlations While solving SciMan's puzzles, students will also be participating in an activity that correlates with the following National Science Education Standards (Content Standard A): Understanding the nature of scientific knowledge. Understanding the nature of scientific inquiry. Understanding the scientific enterprise. Top of Page How to Use This Game SciMan Says is designed as an independent student activity which can be played by individual students or by a small group working together to figure out the mystery topic. Teachers should explain to the students that the incentive of the game is to solve the mystery in the fewest clues. Throughout the game, students are encouraged to conduct research by using the clues they have collected thus far. They can do research in the "Research Lab" by using the online search option built into the game. This search option allows students to conduct research of Web sites by using Yahooligan's search engine and site directory. However, the results are not guaranteed to be found in those Web sites, meaning that students will have to devise various research strategies, depending on each game. Students are also encouraged, for example, to use offline resources, such as textbooks or library books. The game provides an excellent opportunity for collaborative research by small groups of students. Once students have conducted research and come up with possible solutions, they should return to the game and submit their answer in the blanks provided within the game. If their answer is correct, they will receive a reward designation based on the number of clues required and be able to learn more about the mystery subject. If their answer is incorrect, students will have the option to receive another clue, investigate further, and/or submit another possible solution. Top of Page Extensions Create your own in-class game using the SciMan Says concept. Clues could be based on the current science topic of study in the classroom and encompass important concepts the class is covering. Have students write down some interesting scientific findings as they come across them during their Internet research. Cards could be made up with one interesting bit of information on each. The cards could be shared with the class throughout the year and collected to create a library of "Amazing Science Facts." Top of Page Resources The following Scholastic Supplemental materials could be used in conjunction with the SciMan Says Super Science Game: Super Science Magazine: Two levels of this magazine (grades 1-3 and 4-6) cover science news and concepts and integrate science with other subject areas. Scholastic Homework Reference for Science: A ready reference guide for all kinds of science facts and information Scholastic Kid's Encyclopedia: Science: Alphabetically arranged articles introduce kids to key scientific information. SciMan Says