The scientific method may conjure suppressed science anxiety for some people, but don't worry. It's just a simple process of investigating the world around us. With the scientific method, you
- observe (watch)
- make a hypothesis (ask and speculate)
- experiment (try, test, and observe)
That's it. Now, let's learn a bit more about these three simple steps.
The Scientific Method Introduction for Young Children
Hypothesis: If your child watches the following Sesame Street video, will he or she have a better understanding of the scientific method? Let's try it.
Watch this Sesame Street Science: Sink or Float? video in which renowned scientists Cookie Monster and Emma ask a question, make a hypothesis, and observe what happens in an interactive experiment with a rubber band ball, a lime and lemon, Ernie's rubber duckie, and a coconut.
How might your young child approach a question after exposure to the scientific method? Try applying the scientific method to your child's next question.
Scientific Method Terminology Flash Cards
Is your child ready to use some common scientific terminology beyond "watch," "ask," and "try?" Try these interactive science flash cards to learn terminology common to the scientific method and measurement, i.e., experiment, hypothesis, variables, trial, etc. The flash cards can also be printed or viewed in table form.
Ask your child to explain the scientific terms in his or her own words, too.
The Scientific Method for Older Children
Watch MythBusters TV episodes on the Discovery Channel, Netflix, or DVD. The hosts of MythBusters use the scientific method to prove or disprove urban myths. They ask a question, investigate, design an experiment, repeat it with variables, demonstrate and report their findings and conclusions.
The MythBusters guys use all the steps a student would use for a science fair project: ask a question, research and investigate, design an experiment to test the hypothesis, measure and observe, add variables, collect and record findings, and present conclusions.
Learn more: Elizabeth Richards gives a more detailed description in Understanding the Scientific Method. Karrie Emms discusses using the scientific method for a science fair project. Tami Port offers an animal behavior experiment using a roly poly pillbug.
You may have noticed that the three steps of the scientific method cycle around in a circle. You begin with observation, which leads to a question and speculation, which leads to an experiment to test the question, which leads back to observation. Scientific exploration keeps going and can take you on an interesting, unexpected adventure.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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