Curiosity Sparks Slides Mission Briefing Day 01 // Launchpad Science
Curiosity Sparks
Welcome to your scientific launchpad. Today, we design our crew, activate our curiosity, and map our journey into the unknown.
SYSTEM: ACTIVE
Let's Begin →
Icebreaker Game Active Mission
Mission 1: The Curiosity Circle
Scientists don't work in isolation. They form a Crew. Let's find our collective connections!
Instructions:
One person stands and shares a unique science curiosity (e.g., "I want to know how deep the ocean is").
Anyone who shares a similar interest or curiosity stands up and says "Connection!".
Pass the mic to a connected classmate and build the web!
Build the Connection Web
The best scientific discoveries happen when unique minds collide. Who in this room is in your crew?
Day 01 // Launchpad Science Slide 2 of 5
Lab Culture Co-Creating Rules
Co-Creating Our Crew Contract
Every professional scientific lab has standard operating agreements. We are co-designing our core safety values today.
Observe Respect
Listen when others share, value different viewpoints, and respect everyone's background.
Fail Safely
Mistakes are data. Here, we embrace design failures as necessary steps to find what works.
Inquire Constantly
Never stop asking "Why?" or "How?". Curiosity is our fuel and our highest priority.
Day 01 // Launchpad Science Slide 3 of 5
Mindset Training The Power of "Yet"
Unlocking the Growth Mindset
In science, frustration is a sign of brain growth. We are here to train our cognitive muscles.
Fixed: "This is too hard. I'm not a science person."
Growth: "I don't understand this yet, but I will build the connections."
Science is Iteration
Thomas Edison failed 1,000 times before making a working lightbulb. Each failure was simply finding 1,000 ways that didn't work.
Day 01 // Launchpad Science Slide 4 of 5
Active Task Goal Setting
Your Launch Mission Setup
Grab your Science Superhero Handout and complete Phase 1: Interest & Goal Setting.
Section A: Interests
Tell us about your superpower interests. What topics in biology, physics, earth science, or space make your mind wander?
Section B: Growth Goal
Set one personal growth goal for your science habit this term. Is it raising your hand? Embracing mistakes? Checking feedback?
Day 01 // Launchpad Science Slide 5 of 5
Science Superhero Handout Crew Member Dossier
Science Superhero
LAUNCHPAD MISSION // DAY 01
NAME:
DATE:
CLASS:
Phase 1: Your Scientific Curiosity
Which scientific disciplines spark your curiosity? Rank your top interests and complete the inquiry prompts below.
Space Science
Biology
Physics
Earth & Ocean
1. If you had an unlimited research budget, what scientific question would you try to solve?
2. Think of a science project, museum visit, or experiment you loved. What made it memorable?
Phase 2: Growth Mindset Decoder
Science is built on errors and redesigns. Decode the fixed statements below into positive growth-mindset actions.
Fixed Mindset Statement
"I made a huge mistake on the lab. I'm terrible at science and should just give up."
My Growth-Mindset Translation
Fixed Mindset Statement
"Sarah's group built a taller tower instantly. I guess they are just natural geniuses."
My Growth-Mindset Translation
Phase 3: My Pledges & Goals
Personal Classroom Norm Goal:
What is one action you will take to support our co-created agreements?
Habit / Skill of "Yet":
Name a science skill (like graphing, public speaking) you want to build this term.
CO-PILOT SIGNATURE:
COMMANDER SIGNATURE (TEACHER):
Structure Showdown Slides Engineering Directive Day 02 // Launchpad Science
Structure Showdown
An engineering test of collaborative design, structural integrity, and resilient team coordination under pressure.
SYSTEM STATUS: LAUNCH DIRECTIVE
Meet Your Crew →
Crew Coordination Lab Roles
Assign Your Engineering Roles
Every efficient engineering firm operates with specialized individual roles. Assign these roles to your crew of four immediately.
Project Lead
Keeps track of time, facilitates group choices, and ensures every crew member contributes ideas.
Lead Engineer
Directs structural assembly and checks node connections for architectural safety.
Supply Manager
Manages, measures, and cuts supplies. Only member authorized to collect replacements.
Comms Officer
Sketches the design, records the height, and reports progress updates to Mission Control.
Day 02 // Launchpad Science Slide 2 of 5
Design Parameters Rules & Materials
The Tallest Tower Challenge
Official Constraints:
The tower must stand completely free-standing (no taping it to the desk or wall).
The entire, intact marshmallow must be supported at the absolute peak of the structure.
You may cut or break spaghetti, tape, and string, but you cannot pierce the marshmallow.
SUPPLY MANIFEST
Uncooked Spaghetti 20 Strands
Masking Tape 1 Yard
Cotton String 1 Yard
Standard Marshmallow 1 Piece
MISSION DURATION: 18 MINUTES
Day 02 // Launchpad Science Slide 3 of 5
Process Blueprint The Engineering Design Loop
How Engineers Solve Problems
Don't just start building! Follow the systematic loop that aerospace and civil engineers use to build tall, secure structures.
1
Deconstruct
Identify the limitations. What is the actual threat to safety? (In this case, gravity and the heavy marshmallow).
2
Prototype
Draw quick, simple design iterations. Check which geometric shapes hold the most load (triangles vs squares).
3
Construct
Assemble the structural foundation carefully. Support weight distribution from the bottom upwards.
4
Design Lab Blueprint Engineering Lab Spec Sheet
Structure Blueprint
LAUNCHPAD CHALLENGE // DAY 02
CREW NAME:
ENGINEER:
DATE:
1. Crew Assignments
Project Lead
Lead Engineer
Supply Manager
Comms Officer
2. Architectural Drawings
Prototype Plan (Before Build)
Sketch your planned triangles and support arches.
Final Structure (As Built)
Sketch what actually stood. Label the marshmallow peak.
3. Post-Stress Retrospective
Final Standing Height:
cm
What physical element failed first?
Identify One Collaborative Failure:
Where did the team structure struggle with time, planning, or listening?
If given 10 minutes to redesign, what is the #1 modification you would implement?
TOWER SHOWDOWN DIRECTIVE // Day 02 STATUS: RETROSPECTIVE FILED
Clue Collectors Slides Inquiry Framework Day 03 // Launchpad Science
Clue Collectors
Mastering the scientific method through Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning. Think and write like a professional detective-scientist.
DEDUCTION MODULE: STANDBY
Decode the Formula →
Scientific Arguments The CER Formula
The Anatomy of a Scientific Argument
Claim
A direct, one-sentence statement that answers a scientific question. No fluff, just the answer.
"WHAT DO YOU KNOW?"
Evidence
Scientific data, specific facts, measurements, or direct observations that support your claim.
"HOW DO YOU KNOW IT?"
Reasoning
A detailed justification that explains why the data counts as proof, using scientific rules.
"WHY DOES IT MAKE SENSE?"
Day 03 // Launchpad Science Slide 2 of 5
Crime Scene Investigation The Clue File
Case: The Overturned Beaker Mystery
Detective Vance was called to Lab 4 at 0800 hours. The critical blue compound was spilled on the table.
SCENE DOSSIER DETAILS:
• Wet footprint with wide boot treads near the desk.
• Muddy coat hook matches a yellow lab apron.
• Security logs show only Dr. Watt wore boots today.
Identify the Culprit
Using these details, your mission is to write a bulletproof scientific argument solving the mystery. Who is responsible, and how does your data absolute-proof it?
DEDUCTION PARAMETER: Use "Clue Dossier" Handout.
Day 03 // Launchpad Science Slide 3 of 5
Evidence Verification Evidence Vs opinion
What Counts as Scientific Evidence?
Scientists do not deal in assumptions or hunches. We only log concrete, measurable, and observable details.
Weak / Invalid Data
"I think Dr. Watt did it because he looks sketchy, and he was walking fast earlier."
• Reason: Opinion & assumption.
Strong / Scientific Evidence
"The size-11 wet tread footprint next to the desk matches the security log profile of Dr. Watt."
• Reason: Objective observation & matching facts.
Day 03 // Launchpad Science Slide 4 of 5
Logic Connection The Reasoning Bridge
Building the Reasoning Bridge
Reasoning is the glue. It explains how your evidence directly proves your claim using logic or general scientific truths.
Example Construction:
"Since wet clay leaves visible impressions on dry concrete, and security logs show Dr. Watt was walking through the wet excavation zone, the muddy print in the lab connects Watt directly to the spill."
Clue Solver Dossier Scientific Deduction File
Clue Solver Dossier
CER FRAMEWORK PRACTICE // DAY 03
SOLVER NAME:
PARTNER:
DATE:
1. Incident Briefing: The Overturned Beaker
SCENE REPORT: Beaker 4 spilled a toxic blue isotope on the lab table at 0800 hours.
CLUE A: Wet footprint with size-11 boot tread found by table.
CLUE B: Wet yellow apron left hanging on coat rack.
CLUE C: Security log: Dr. Watt wore heavy mud boots today.
2. Draft Your Scientific Deduction
The Claim (1 clear, declarative sentence answering "Who did it?") What do you know?
The Evidence (List at least 2 specific clues directly from the briefing) How do you know it?
The Reasoning (Connect the evidence to the claim with scientific logic) Why does it make sense?
3. Scientist Peer-Review Checklist
Clear Claim Does not use "I think..." or start with "Because". Direct.
No Opinions Only physical, measured clues. No emotional arguments.
Logical Bridge Reasoning actually links the footprints back to security logs.
CER INCIDENT DOSSIER // Day 03 DEDUCTION LEVEL: IN-PROGRESS
Hazard Hunters Slides Safety Protocol Day 04 // Launchpad Science
Hazard Hunters
Activating the safety grid. Explore vital laboratory emergency systems, locate safety stations, and authorize your lab operator contract.
SAFETY ENGAGED: STRICT COMPLIANCE
Deploy Safety Rules →
Standard Operations Golden Safety Rules
The Golden Laws of Lab Safety
Before crossing the laboratory threshold, these behavioral safeguards must be strictly integrated into your routine.
Dress to Protect
Approved goggles must cover eyes at all times. Tie back long hair, secure baggy clothes, and wear closed-toe shoes.
Zero Consumables
No food, candy, gum, or beverages are permitted in the work zone. Invisible chemical residues can contaminate them.
Report Immediately
Any spill, cut, heat burn, or broken glass must be flagged to the teacher instantly. No matter how tiny!
Day 04 // Launchpad Science Slide 2 of 5
Hardware Manifest Emergency Hardware
Locate Your Safety Equipment
If an incident occurs, you must react in SECONDS, not minutes. Know where these critical devices are kept:
Eyewash Station
Flushes chemical particles from eyes for 15+ minutes.
Fire Extinguisher
Smothers visual laboratory fires via gas/powder spray.
Safety Shower
Douses large-scale skin contamination immediately.
First Aid Kit
Treats clean scratches, minor cuts, and basic abrasions.
Safety Mapping Mission
Use Phase 1 of your Safety Handout to sketch a literal floor plan of our classroom, identifying every device listed here.
Day 04 // Launchpad Science Slide 3 of 5
Critical Analysis Spot the Infraction
Analyze the Lab: What's Wrong?
A careless lab is a toxic lab. Identify the critical errors occurring in this hypothetical laboratory scene:
Zone 1:
A student has a bottle of orange juice next to an open bottle of hydrochloric acid.
Zone 2:
Someone with long, loose hair bends directly over a lit Bunsen burner.
Zone 3:
A beaker chips on a ring stand. The student hides it so they don't lose points.
Zone 4:
Two students playfully push each other while holding test tubes.
Day 04 // Launchpad Science Slide 4 of 5
Mission Authorization The Operator Contract
Your Lab Operator License
Safety Rules Contract Standard Operating Safeguards
Safety Contract
LAB SAFETY CERTIFICATION // DAY 04
OPERATOR:
STATION:
DATE:
1. Classroom Safety Grid Map
Explore the science room. Sketch the literal room layout below and map the locations of these critical systems: Eyewash Station [EW], Safety Shower [SS], Fire Extinguisher [FE], First Aid Kit [FA], and Emergency Exit [EX].
ZONE 01 [FRONT]
ZONE 02 [BACK]
SKETCH LAYOUT HERE
2. The Five Safety Axioms
01 // EYES Safety goggles must reside on your face, fully shielding eyes, during all heat, chemical, or pressure operations.
02 // HAIR Long hair, loose shirts, and dangling jewelry must be securely tied back or constrained prior to igniting a thermal source.
03 // INTAKE Zero eating, drinking, or gum chewing is authorized inside the active lab workspace. Keep hands away from mouth.
04 // CHEMICALS Never touch, taste, or directly smell a chemical. Use the correct "wafting" technique to pass vapor toward your nose.
05 // ACTION Absolutely zero physical horseplay, running, or unauthorized chemical mixing is tolerated in our operations.
3. Binding Operator Agreement
I, the undersigned science operator, understand and pledge to adhere to all established standard operating laboratory rules. I agree to operate all systems safely, maintain high vigilance, wear protective equipment continuously, and notify my commander (teacher) instantly of any hazardous condition, breakage, or biological contamination.
OPERATOR SIGNATURE:
GUARDIAN SIGNATURE:
COMMANDER (TEACHER):
Crisis Control Task Cards Group Discussion Resource
Crisis Control Cards
SCENARIO-BASED EMERGENCY ANALYSIS // DAY 05
CUT-OUT SHEET
A
INCIDENT CASE A
The Acid Splash
Leo pulls off his goggles because they are sweaty. Two seconds later, his partner pours vinegar and a droplet splashes directly into Leo's left eye. He cries out and rubs it.
Q1: Which safety device must Leo access immediately?
Q2: For how long should his eye be flushed?
B
INCIDENT CASE B
The Flaming Cuff
Maya is adjusting a beaker stand over a lit Bunsen burner. Her loose, baggy sweatshirt cuff brushes against the fire and sparks, igniting the edge of the cotton fabric.
Q1: What immediate body action should Maya take?
Q2: What equipment can her crew use to smother the fire?
C
INCIDENT CASE C
The Chipped Beaker
While cleaning up, Liam knocks a beaker against the metal sink, cracking off a sharp shard. He places the cracked beaker back in the cabinet to avoid getting into trouble.
Q1: What danger does Liam's choice pose to the next class?
Q2: Where should broken glass be disposed of?
D
INCIDENT CASE D
The Tasting Dare
During a white powders investigation, Tyler tells Alex that the substance is "definitely just sugar". He dares Alex to lick it off the desk to test if it's sweet.
Q1: Which safety law of laboratory intake was broken?
Q2: What chemical threat risk is present here?
E
INCIDENT CASE E
The Smokey Outlet
Water splashes from the sink onto an old electrical socket. An electric heating plate plugged into the socket sparks, makes a crackling sound, and white smoke begins rising.
Q1: Why shouldn't you pour water on an electrical fire?
Q2: What is the correct sequence of action to take?
F
INCIDENT CASE F
The Runaway Spill
An oil flask tips, spilling slick fluid onto the high-traffic floor lane. Jack immediately runs to the closet to grab clean rags. In his haste, he slips on the spill and hits the ground.
Q1: What is the primary hazard error Jack committed?
Q2: Who should establish a safety guard around a floor spill?
SAFETY SCENARIOS MATRIX // Day 05 INSTRUCTION: CUT ALONG DESIRED DASHED CHANNELS
Crisis Control Incident Report Official Hazard Investigation
Incident Report
CRISIS CONTROL RESPONSE SHEET // DAY 05
INVESTIGATOR:
CREW CODE:
DATE:
1. Target Incident Log
Incident Case ID:
Official Incident Title:
Brief Incident Summary (Explain the crisis in 1-2 descriptive sentences):
2. Emergency Response Evaluation
Draft direct solutions to the two specific critical questions listed on your group's assigned Incident Card.
Evaluation 01 (Response to Question 1):
Evaluation 02 (Response to Question 2):
3. Incident Prevention Protocol
What three actions or lab safety laws would have completely prevented this emergency from occurring?
Action Code 1
Action Code 2
Action Code 3
COMPLIANCE OFFICER (STUDENT):
COMMANDER APPROVAL:
