SC211. The Frugal Scientist Presents . . . Scientific Investigation and Reasoning on a Budget This session is for teachers who want to engage their students in lessons that not only meet the standards, but also foster independent thinking. Science teachers are charged with the task of making our course at least 40% hands on, but are often supplied a budget that only allows for minimal manipulation. This session provides resources for comparative and descriptive investigations that are TEKS-aligned, conceptually rich, and most importantly, budget friendly. Presenters will demonstrate an investigation from each category of middle school science including chemistry, force, and motion, Earth and space, and organisms and environment. With the lessons presented we will provide opportunities for journaling and assessment. Each lesson will include a full lesson cycle and their will be ample time for questions and answers. Participants will have access to resources including supplies, PowerPoints, and handouts.