|
Thinking Scientifically...
Check out the FILES page for documents that will help you as you write your MATERIALS LISTS, HYPOTHESIS, and PROCEDURES LIST.
- Most of us are familiar with the term "scientific method". We usually learned it as a series of steps to move us from a problem to the conclusion. However, sometimes science is messy, and it does not move in a nice and neat line. line.
- So more often, we use the term "scientific thinking" or, in other words, thinking like a scientist. This means that we understand how to form questions, make observations, create possible hypotheses (that's plural for hypothesis) and how to test and see if our hypothesis is accurate. Sometimes, you may make observations before creating a hypothesis. Or while conducting an experiment in class, you start to wonder about other options; this may help you form a question or a hypothesis. The order is not as important as the process.
- Here are the major parts of your science fair project and of good science practices:
- Stating a question or problem (This is your topic idea)
- Making observations ("How can I use my senses to learn about this topic?")
- Creating a hypothesis to test ("What do I think is going to occur based on my research and observations?")
- Conducting an experiment ("What is the independent variable? What is the dependent variable? Is there a control group?")
- Materials to use ("What do I need to use in order to conduct the experiment?")
- Experimental design or procedure (List the steps of the experiment)
- Recording data and results from the experiment (usually in graphs, charts, data tables or with pictures)
- Analyzing the data ("What does the it all mean ?")
- Forming a conclusion ("Does this support or reject my hypothesis?", "How can I answer my original problem and explain how the results interact with my hypothesis? )
- Summarize in an abstract ("How could I sum up my whole project in a couple of paragraphs?")
- Communicating results (Present what you've learned with your class and teacher
- Bottle Rockets and other educational crafts
Check out the FILES page for documents that will help you as you write your MATERIALS LISTS, HYPOTHESIS, and PROCEDURES LIST.
Science Fair Websites
Project Board Example