Scientific Process
Whether you teach elementary or middle school, introducing the steps of the scientific method can spark curiosity, develop critical thinking, and build a lifelong love for science. Below, we’ll explain:- What the scientific method is
- How to teach the scientific method to kids
- Fun, easy experiments for students to explore each step of the process.
Note: The use of the Best Science Practices is also relevant to the topic of using the scientific method. Read more here and see if it fits your science planning needs.
What Is the Scientific Method?
The scientific method is a logical process for asking questions, testing ideas, and drawing conclusions. Scientists, including famous figures like Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, and Charles Darwin, have used this method to make groundbreaking discoveries in physics, biology, and chemistry. The scientific method involves:- Making observations about a phenomenon.
- Asking a question.
- Forming a hypothesis (a possible explanation or prediction).
- Conducting an experiment to test the hypothesis.
- Recording results and drawing conclusions.
- Communicating findings.
Key Steps of the Scientific Method
Here’s a breakdown of the steps of the scientific method, complete with classroom-friendly examples and tips:Step 1: Make Observations
Encourage students to use their senses to observe the world. Observations may include what they see, hear, or feel.- Example: “What happens to an ice cube when left in the sun?”
Step 2: Ask a Question
Ask questions that build on student observations.- Example: “Does ice melt faster in saltwater or freshwater?”
Step 3: Form a Hypothesis
Explain that a hypothesis is not just a guess but a prediction based on background research and observations.- Example: “I think ice will melt faster in saltwater because salt lowers the freezing point of water.”
💡 Learn more about how to form a hypothesis for kids [here].
Step 4: Conduct an Experiment
Design experiments that change one independent variable at a time while keeping controlled variables constant. Measure the impact on the dependent variable.- Example: Testing ice melting times in different liquids.
- Independent Variable: Type of liquid (water, juice, saltwater).
- Dependent Variable: Time taken for the ice to melt.
- Controlled Variables: Liquid temperature, ice cube size, and container size.
💡 Learn more about dependent and controlled variables [here].
Step 5: Record Results and Draw Conclusions
Teach students to observe and document data carefully.- Record results in journals using charts, graphs, or drawings.
- Example: The ice in saltwater melted faster than the ice in freshwater.
- Was their hypothesis supported?
- What did they learn?
Step 6: Communicate Results
Have students share their findings through:- Presentations
- Posters
- Simple scientific journal entries
💡Learn how to make a science fair board with free printables.
Fun Scientific Experiments
Here are easy, hands-on experiments to reinforce each scientific method step. These are perfect for elementary and middle school classrooms.1. Sink or Float Experiment
Explore predictive power and buoyancy:- Materials: Various objects, a tub of water.
- Question: “Will this object sink or float?”
2. Apple Browning Experiment
Teach students about oxidation and variables:- Question: “Which substance prevents apples from turning brown?”
- Variables: Lemon juice, water, vinegar, and oil.
3. Magic Milk Experiment
Investigate surface tension and relativity:- Materials: Milk, dish soap, and food coloring.
- Question: “How does soap affect food coloring in milk?”
4. Paper Towel Absorbency Test
Introduce hypothesis testing and data collection:- Question: “Which brand of paper towel absorbs the most water?”
- Measure water absorbed to determine the best paper towel.
5. Freezing Water with Salt
Explore temperature regulation:- Question: “How does salt affect the freezing point of water?”
- Compare results with and without salt.
6. Catapult Experiment
Introduce engineering principles:- Build a simple catapult with popsicle sticks.
- Question: “How does changing the angle affect the distance?”
7. Viscosity of Liquids
Teach about fluid properties:- Materials: Honey, oil, water, and marbles.
- Question: “Which liquid allows a marble to fall the fastest?”
8. What Colors Absorb Heat?
Explore how color impacts heat absorption:- Materials: Different colored paper, a lamp, and thermometers.
- Question: “Do darker colors absorb more heat than lighter colors?”
- Compare temperature changes on papers exposed to light.
9. Newton’s Laws in Action
Demonstrate Newton’s Laws of Motion:- Experiment: Build a simple balloon rocket.
- Question: “How does force and mass impact the distance traveled?”
- Discuss action-reaction forces, acceleration, and motion.
10. Balloon Inflation with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Teach about chemical reactions and gas production:- Materials: Balloon, baking soda, vinegar, and a bottle.
- Question: “How much gas is produced when mixing baking soda and vinegar?”
- Observe the balloon inflating as carbon dioxide gas forms.
11. Plant Growth Experiment
Investigate the factors that affect plant growth:- Materials: Seeds, soil, pots, water, and light sources.
- Question: “How does the amount of sunlight affect plant growth?”
- Variables: Test plants with varying amounts of sunlight (full sun, partial shade, no sunlight).
Grab your scientific method journal pages [here]!
Why Teach the Scientific Method?
The scientific method empowers students to think like scientists and apply problem-solving skills in real-world situations. It nurtures:- Logical thinking
- Deduction and reasoning
- Reproducibility in experiments