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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

Supplemental Links

Further Investigation with Online Activities

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!

Science Minutes Episodes

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  2. Habitats
  3. Cells
  4. Seasons
  5. Weather
  6. Tides
  7. Waves
  8. Simple Machines
  9. Scientific Method
  10. Going Green