Activity 2

Topic: The Scientific Method

Background information:

• Researchers conduct experiments by what is known as "the scientific method." From reading and making observations, a scientist raises a question or sees a problem to be investigated. To find a solution, the scientists first develop a possible answer (hypothesis) to the question being investigated. Then they work out the detailed steps to prove or disprove the hypothesis. As scientists conducts their experiment they write down everything they observe. The final step of the scientific method requires a scientist to read the data to decide if the question can now be answered.
• Scientists must be able to repeat the work of other scientists to ensure that the findings are correct. Scientists also share their findings with others (at meetings, conventions and through publications) so that they can get help in answering difficult questions.

Problem: Why is it necessary to keep records of experiments?

What do I want the children to discover? Keeping accurate records of research is the key to good science. It also enables other scientists to evaluate the validity of experiments.

What will I need?

• The Let's Visit A Research Laboratory poster or internet tour
• A variety of simple classroom experiments that can be conducted in one day or, if preferable, over a period of time. Such experiments can be found in science books at the library and scientific magazines for teachers (suggested bibliography included).

What will we discuss?

• Ask the children to look closely at the poster and to list the various ways data are being recorded. What type of equipment or materials are being used?
• What can children use to accurately record classroom projects: pen and paper; charts and graphs; illustrations; a computer.

What will the children do?

• Divide the children into small groups.
• Have each group conduct a different experiment. (If the experiment requires more than one day, allow space in the classroom for students to keep their projects.)
• Ask the children to record what they hoped to find out, the procedure they followed, the results of their experiment, and the conclusion they came to.
• After the groups have performed one experiment, instruct them to perform a second experiment using another group's design.
• Then ask the groups to share their findings for both experiments with the class.
• Discuss any different findings from the same experiment. How were the results the same? What may have caused any differences?

How will the children use or apply what they discovered?

• Have the children write out a procedure to use in the classroom for setting up experiments and recording data.
• Have a poster made of the chosen process and post it in the classroom for easy reference for future experiments.