Science Minutes DVD
Episode 9: Scientific Method
Focus Question: What is the scientific method?
Standards
National Science Standard
- Content Standard A: Science as an Inquiry (Grades 5-8)
- Content Standard G: History and Nature of Science (Grades 5-8)
Next Generation Sunshine State Standard
Grade 5: | SC.5.N.1 The Practice of Science |
Benchmarks SC.5.N.1.1, SC.5.N.1.2, SC.5.N.1.3 | |
SC.5.P.11 Energy Transfer and Transformations | |
Grade 6: | SC.6.N.1 The Practice of Science |
Benchmarks SC.6.N.1.2, SC.6.N.1.3 | |
Grade 7: | SC.7.N.1 The Practice of Science |
Grade 8: | SC.8.N.1 The Practice of Science |
Vocabulary
Experiment an operation or procedure carried out under controlled conditions in order to discover an unknown effect or law, to test or establish a hypothesis, or to illustrate a known law
Hypothesis a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences; a mere assumption or guess
Observation the act of recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence often involving measurement with instruments
Outcome something that follows as a result or consequence
Research diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover or revise facts, theories, applications, etc.; investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws
Results something that happens as a consequence; outcome
Scientific Method principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses
Theory a hypothesis assumed for the sake of argument or investigation; an unproved assumption
Variable something that may or does vary; a variable feature or factor
Classroom Activity
- Science Minutes Activity: 1 2 9 Ethogram (192K PDF)
- Science Minutes Activity: 5 9 Weather (199K PDF)
Supplemental Links
- Science Buddies: Steps of the Scientific Method,
www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_scientific_method.shtml - The Scientific Method Today, www.scientificmethod.com
- Rader’s Biology4Kids.com, Reasoning in Science,
www.biology4kids.com/files/studies_scimethod.html
Further Investigation with Online Activities
- The Science Spot: Bikini Bottom Experiments, http://sciencespot.net/Media/scimthdexps.pdf
- The Science Spot: Drops on a Penny Lab, http://sciencespot.net/Media/pennylab.pdf
- Lesson Plans, Inc.: Scientific Method: Thumb Wrestling,
http://www.lessonplansinc.com/science.php/biology/detail/scientific_method_activity/
Oral Assessment
Transcript
Kasey
Tired of finding new experiments year after year for the annual science fair? Looking for something new and exciting to prese nt this year? Well listen up, this message may lead you to greatness.
I want everybody out there to do me a favor, just relax, close your eyes, take a nice deep, cleansing breath. Now think of your favorite scientific topic. Breathe in, breath out. Take that science to your happy place. Think of a question you want to answer, a problem you'd like to solve. OK, open your eyes.
OK, now you've got a topic in mind and a question to be answered, it's time to get working on that science project and here's how your going to make it happen.
First, think of that question. Do you think you can come up with a reasonable experiment that can lead you to your answer. Don't forget to take into consideration the amount of time and materials that may be needed to find you answer. Now research your topic and that question and make sure that you have enough time to conduct your experiment.
Now think of your hypothesis—an educated guess if you will. What do you think the outcome or answer will be?
Next design an experiment that you can complete to help you get to the answer of your question. Think of the steps you need to take and the materials you will need.
Don't for get to include a control and few variables to keep your experiment spicy. A word to the wise, keep this part simple enough for you to conduct at home, at school or even to repeat it if necessary.
Now, based on your results, come to a conclusion—an answer to your question. Was your hypothesis correct? If not, what could you have done differently? Could you have modified your experiment? Maybe asked a differt question? Be sure to include all of these thoughts in your results.
All right, now you are ready to face the scientific world. Go out and experiment!