Mystery ItemObjectives: – Write a descriptive paragraph using proper sentence

structure and a variety of adjective and adverbs – Use careful scientific observation– Understand physical and chemical change in matter– Use creativity (think outside the box)– Answer “What if” questions– Stump your peers with your creative description

Stem connections: Science, TechnologyWriting skills, careful observation, critical thinking, cooperative learning

Example Mystery ParagraphTeacher Example:

My item is usually spherical but can be made compact if necessary. It comes in a variety of hues and is considered quite enjoyable to people of all ages. It is flexible and is either a petroleum product or a common artificial chemical. People enjoy it especially on popular ground quartz surfaces. It can be dangerous to very young children if it is ruined. Its odor tends to be very unpleasant, especially if it gets very hot. Water won’t hurt it, but sharp items could make it less useful. It would not please the taste buds. Can you guess what it is?

Student sample:

My mystery item is kind of stretchy. Its color is tan. If I flung it at you, it could give you a welt. You also use it for wrapping different things. It can be short or long. You can buy them in packs of 100. It has a bad odor if it gets too hot. My brother cries when I hit him. My mom hates them.

Science Technology Engineer Math

Help WantedJob Ad

Brochures Using a Word Processor

More Word Processing STEM Activities• Geography or Health – – Visit the grocery store and find out who our food producers

are? Plot them on the map. – Then have students write a paragraph on how transportation

has changed eating habits.• “Necessity is the mother of invention.”– Research the history of a type of invention (check Time

Liner data or create a database)– Then have students use the data to write a paragraph on how

that history has affected them personally.• Have students write a procedure for doing something.• Have students cut and paste sentences on the word processor to

put events or steps of a procedure in order.

Databases in STEM Careers• Scientific research• Statistical analysis

(environment, medicine, weather, engineering, etc.)

• Forensic science• Computer

programming & new technologies

• Engineering Analysis

Using database sort & filter functions … •requires following directions•encourages critical thinking/problem-solving•provides opportunities for statistical analysis•gives students practice at finding facts quickly•fosters cooperative learning