Scientific Method

Teacher Guidelines ▶ pages 1 – 2

Instructional Pages ▶ pages 3 – 4
Activity Page ▶ page 5
Practice Page ▶ page 6
Grade Level: 3 – 4 Homework Page ▶ page 7
Answer Key ▶ pages 8 – 10
Classroom Procedure:
1. Ask students: Share a problem you may have had Approximate Grade Level: 3 – 4
in the past week.
Objectives:
2. Allow for responses and discussion. The students will be able to define, explain, and use the
scientific method in a simple experiment.
3. Ask students what observations they made about
Common Core State Standards:
their problem. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.1
4. Allow for responses and discussion. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.3
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.4
5. Ask students what they did next. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.3
6. Allow for responses and discussion. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.4
7. Ask students to share the outcome or conclusion Class Sessions (45 minutes):
of the problem. At least 2 class sessions
Teaching Materials/Worksheets:
8. Allow for responses and discussion. Scientific Method content pages (2), Activity page, Practice
9. Tell students Science is also about solving page, Homework page
problems with a process called the Scientific Student Supplies:
one penny, one dime, one nickel, ruler, one water dropper,
Method. Compare it to the problems you cup of water, paper towels, handouts
discussed with them. (When thinking through a
Prepare Ahead of Time:
problem, whether science or otherwise, the same Gather the supplies, enough for each student in the class.
steps can be used.) Small cups of water. Copy handouts.
10. Distribute the Scientific Method content pages. Options for Lesson:
Read and review the information with the Students may work in pairs for the activity. Use one coin or
more than three coins for the activity. Choose other
students. Clarify each of the steps and stress that experiments for students to use the scientific method.
students may see these steps expanded in other Spend extra time on discussing variables and the different
resource material, but these are the basic steps. types. Use the Practice page for homework as well, or use
Homework page for in-class practice. Allow students to
(Save the final question for lesson closing.) make up an experiment along with a hypothesis, and then
11. Distribute the Activity page. Read and review the plan an “Experiment Day” for students to present their work.
instructions before distributing the supplies.
Answer student questions.
12. Distribute the supplies. Tell students to be careful when placing the drops. (Depending on variables,
the coins each should hold a large number of drops.)
13. Give students ample time to complete the activity. Circulate through the room checking for students’
understanding of the instructions.
14. Once completed, review the responses to the Activity questions.
15. Summarize the four basic steps of the scientific method.
16. Distribute the Practice page. Check and review the responses.
(continued)

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Classroom Procedure:
17. Distribute the Homework page. The next day, check and review the responses.
18. In closing, ask: What hypothesis would you like to make, about anything, and how would you
experiment to prove or disprove it?
19. Allow for responses and discussion.

Teacher Notes
The scientific method is an important lesson to help students think logically, not only for science
experiments but for general problem-solving opportunities. The scientific method will vary depending on
the resources used. With that said, this lesson covers the four basic steps, with a few “sub-steps” as part
of the basics. In the additional resources there is abundant information and activity opportunities to
enhance the lesson.
____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Additional Resources:
Content:
https://www.securedatarecovery.com/resources/the-scientific-method-data-and-science-for-kids
http://foodsciencesecrets.com/?p=2433
http://www.ducksters.com/science/scientificmethod.php
http://www.smartfirstgraders.com/scientific-method-for-kids.html
http://scoutermom.com/1526/a-simple-explanation-of-the-scientific-method/
http://www.biology4kids.com/files/studies_scimethod.html
http://www.super-science-fair-projects.com/scientific-method-for-kids.html#.VzWk-I-cGUk (Science Fair)
http://www.neok12.com/Scientific-Method.htm (Videos and more)
Worksheets:
http://www.schoolofdragons.com/how-to-train-your-dragon/the-scientific-method/scientific-method-worksheets
http://thecraftyclassroom.com/homeschool-printables/scientific-method-printables/
http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/science/scientificmethod/
http://sciencespot.net/Pages/classgen.html
https://www.havefunteaching.com/worksheets/science-worksheets/scientific-method-worksheets/
Videos:
http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Category.aspx?CategoryID=1570 (Links)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVfI1wat2y8 (4 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAJ8IF4HI20 (3 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIFz_-KzURY (3 min-Song)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUa-ilQqEv0 (3 min-Class Rap Song)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlb7tLJy5AI (3 min-Song)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6IAzlugWw0 (12 min)

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Scientific Method
Have you ever needed to solve a problem at
home? Maybe a game system was not working
properly. What did you do? You may have
unplugged it, restarted it, or even shook it. In a
short period of time you either fixed it or came to
a different conclusion, like maybe you needed a
new one. In a way, you did a science experiment
using the scientific method.
The basic scientific method includes the steps
scientists use and follow when trying to solve a
problem or prove or disprove a theory. The
methods are used by scientists all over the world.
This is done so scientists, or anyone, can work
together to solve some of the same problems.
There are usually four steps which are a part of the scientific method. The steps may sometimes occur in
a different order. You may see other steps as well, but these are the four basic steps.
1. Observation 2. Hypothesis 3. Experiment 3. Conclusion

The Basic Steps Examples

Scientist observes the pattern, size,
 Using one or more of the five senses
OBSERVATION

texture of a spider web.

 Seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and
tasting
 Used to learn about or identify an event
or object the scientist wants to study

 The question being researched Scientist has a question

 Question turned into a statement about the strength of the
HYPOTHESIS

web: Do big spiders

 Statement about the event or object
build stronger webs?
to be researched
 Includes 3 things: 1) explanation for Hypothesis: The larger
the observations, 2) able to be tested the spider, the stronger
by others, 3) will usually result in the the web. This can now
same or new outcomes be tested.

Sometimes a hypothesis is called an educated guess. The experiment, will now be used to test the
“guess”. This is the heart of the scientific method.

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 The Basic Steps Examples (continued)

 Used to test the hypothesis An experiment is done to

learn if large spiders make
 Will prove or disprove the
stronger webs. The
EXPERIMENT

hypothesis
strengths of webs are tested
 Is the “guess” true or false? using the same method
 Carefully designed and controlled each time. A spider’s size
will also be measured,
 Tests a single variable:
compared to the strength of
something that can be changed
its web.
 Can be reproduced by others

As the experiment is carried out, it is important for you to carefully record the results. The same
experiment should be done more than once to see if the results are the same each time.
Regardless of the results of an experiment, much can be learned during an experiment. For example, in
1945 a scientist was working on something related to radar equipment. He discovered a chocolate bar in
his pants pocket that began to melt. Guess what? The information he recorded in the original experiment
was used to invent the microwave oven.

 Analyze the data and the

information that was collected
 Come to a conclusion based on the
CONCLUSION

collected information
 If hypothesis was proven, the
original question is answered
 If it is not proven, a new hypothesis
may be made
 Others can do the experiment
If the scientist proves that larger spiders
build stronger webs, then that is the
conclusion. If not, a new hypothesis
may be made, such as: The size of a
spider has no effect on a web’s
strength.

The scientific method is used for simple experiments you may do in the classroom or at home, and for
difficult experiments being done by scientists all over the world.
 What hypothesis would you like to make and how would you experiment?

How was the scientific method used in the example related to the broken game system?
1. You observed there was a problem, you formed a hypothesis about the problem: The game has
stopped, it may need to be restarted to work again.
2. You then experimented by unplugging it or restarting it, and then finally, you came to a conclusion:
You may need a need system.

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Activity Name __________________________ Date ________
Follow the instructions.
Supplies: one penny, one dime, one nickel, ruler, one water dropper, cup of water, paper towels
1. Write your observations about each of the 3 coins. Use your senses and the ruler.
Penny Nickel Dime

2. Write a hypothesis about the amount of drops each of the coins can hold. Do not guess a number for
each coin, but write a statement you will try to prove.

3. Experiment. Set one coin at a time on a piece of paper towel. Using the water dropper, place and
count the drops of water onto each coin until the water spills onto the paper towel. Write your results
on the line for each coin. (Remember, when experimenting, it is best to do it more than one time.)
Penny Trial 1 ________ Trial 2 ________ Trial 3 ________ Average ________
Nickel Trial 1 ________ Trial 2 ________ Trial 3 ________ Average ________
Dime Trial 1 ________ Trial 2 ________ Trial 3 ________ Average ________
4. Review the data and results of the experiment. What is your conclusion? Analyze the numbers. Was
your hypothesis proven or disproven? Explain the conclusion of your experiment in the box:

5. What were some of the variables in the experiment? For example, what could be the things that
change, or may change the results of, the experiment if another person tries to repeat it?

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Practice Name __________________________ Date ________
Match the statement to the correct Scientific Method step.

O OBSERVATION
1) A question turned into a statement.
H HYPOTHESIS
2) Analysis of the data and the collected information
E EXPERIMENT
3) Can be reproduced by others.
C CONCLUSION
4) Carefully designed and controlled.
5) If hypothesis is proven, the original question is answered.
6) If not proven, a new hypothesis is made.
7) Includes explanations for the observations.
8) It is able to be tested by others.
9) It is used to test the hypothesis.
10) Others will be able to repeat the experiment.
11) Seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting
12) Statement about the event or object to be researched.
13) Tests a single variable.
14) The question being researched.
15) This is based on collected information.
16) Used to learn about or identify an event or object.
17) Using one or more of the five senses
18) Will answer: Is the guess true or false?
19) Will prove or disprove the hypothesis.
20) Will usually result in the same or new outcomes.

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Homework Name __________________________ Date ________
Choose the correct answer for each question Each sentence describes a step of the
1. Which of the following is the best definition of the scientific scientific method. Match each to the correct
method? step.
a. A method used by scientists to try and find the
answers to questions. A. Observation C. Experiment
b. Used by scientists only throughout the world.
c. A method to prove the right answer to a question B. Hypothesis D. Conclusions
by a scientist.
d. The steps scientists use and follow when trying to 7. _____ Noah studied the results of the experiment
solve a problem or to prove or disprove a theory. and realized he was correct.
2. Which of the steps in the scientific method would a
scientist use for seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and 8. _____ Tamara said, “If I talk to my plants, they will
tasting?
grow faster.”
a. Conclusion
b. Observation
c. Experiment 9. _____ Juan noticed the birds were not eating a
d. Hypothesis certain kind of bread.
3. Which of the following is the best example of a hypothesis?
a. Do hamsters live longer than birds? 10. _____ Charlotte filled one cup with water, and the
b. Cars and trucks usually use the same amount of
other cup with salt and water.
gasoline.
c. I think dogs make better pets for everyone.
d. Brand B lightbulb will burn longer in a lamp than 11. _____ Evan recorded the responses to the
Brand X lightbulb. questions he asked the group of people.
4. Which statement is true?
a. An experiment is a test which will either challenge
or support a hypothesis.
12. _____ Anna saw certain bees liked some flowers but
b. An experiment is a test which must always prove not others.
the hypothesis.
c. An experiment is only used when trying to prove a 13. _____ “I think people in their teens have better
hypothesis. memories than those over 20.”
d. An experiment does not have to be part of the
scientific method.
5. Fill in the blank with one of the choices. If the results of an 14. _____ Ben discovered an earthworm could dig at
experiment support the hypothesis a(n) __________ can least three tunnels per day.
be written.
a. Observation
15. _____ Haley measured the height each type of ball
b. New hypothesis
bounced into the air.
c. Conclusion
d. Experiment
6. The scientific method 16. _____ John wondered if the taste of sodas changed
a. Can be used for simple experiments or more when ice was added to them.
difficult experiments
b. Can be used only for simple experiments at home
17. _____ Angela’s experiment showed earthworms
or in the classroom
c. Can only be used for experiments carried out by move away from light.
scientists
d. Can only be used for very difficult experiments 18. _____ “If a student watches only one hour of TV per
day, grades will improve,” Michael thought.

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 ANSWER KEY
Activity Name __________________________ Date ________
Follow the Instructions.
Supplies: one penny, one dime, one nickel, ruler, one water dropper, cup of water, paper towels
1. Write your OBSERVATIONS about each of the 3 coins. Use your senses and the ruler.
PENNY NICKEL DIME

¾ inch or 18.5 mm diameter, 1.5
mm thick, ridged
Copper colored, face on one side,
symbol on reverse, round, made
of metal, some parts smooth
7/8 inch or 20 mm diameter, 2
mm thick, ridged
Silver/gray colored, face on one
side, Capitol bldg. on reverse,
made of metal, round, some parts
smooth
11/16 inch or 18 mm diameter, 1
mm thick, ridged
Silver/gray colored, face on one
side, symbol on reverse, made of
metal, round, some parts smooth

2. Write a HYPOTHESIS about the amount of drops each of the coins can hold. Do not guess a number for each coin, but
write a statement you will try to prove.

Students should not guess numbers, though it is an option you can use. Possible hypotheses: The larger the coin,
the more water drops it will hold. The thicker the coin the less drops it will hold.

3. EXPERIMENT. Set one coin at a time on a piece of paper towel. Using the water dropper, place and count the drops of
water onto each coin until the water spills onto the paper towel. Write your results on the line for each coin. (Remember,
when experimenting, it is best to do it more than one time.)
Penny: Trial 1 varies Trial 2 __________ Trial 3 __________ Average __________
Nickel: Trial 1 __________ Trial 2 __________ Trial 3 __________ Average __________
Dime: Trial 1 __________ Trial 2 __________ Trial 3 __________ Average __________
4. Review the data and results of the experiment. What is your CONCLUSION? Analyze the numbers. Was your
hypothesis proven or disproven? Explain the conclusion of your experiment in the box:
Students should not guess numbers, though it is an option you can use. Possible hypotheses: The larger the coin, the
more water drops it will hold. The thicker the coin the less drops it will hold.

5. What were some of the variables in the experiment? For example, what could be the things that change, or may change
the results of, the experiment if another person tries to repeat it?

The force of the drop of water as it lands on the coin, the size of each drop, cleanliness of the coin, etc. Some of these
answers may vary.

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 ANSWER KEY
Practice Name __________________________ Date ________
Match the statement to the correct Scientific Method step.

H 1) A question turned into a statement. O OBSERVATION

C 2) Analysis of the data and the collected information H HYPOTHESIS

E 3) Can be reproduced by others. E EXPERIMENT

E 4) Carefully designed and controlled. C CONCLUSION

C 5) If hypothesis is proven, the original question is answered.

C 6) If not proven, a new hypothesis is made.
H 7) Includes explanations for the observations.
H 8) It is able to be tested by others.
E 9) It is used to test the hypothesis.
C 10) Others will be able to repeat the experiment.
O 11) Seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting
H 12) Statement about the event or object to be researched.
E 13) Tests a single variable.
H 14) The question being researched.
C 15) This is based on collected information.
O 16) Used to learn about or identify an event or object.
O 17) Using one or more of the five senses
C 18) Will answer: Is the guess true or false?
E 19) Will prove or disprove the hypothesis.
H 20) Will usually result in the same or new outcomes.

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 ANSWER KEY
Homework Name __________________________ Date ________

Choose the correct answer for each question Each sentence describes a step of the
1. Which of the following is the best definition of the scientific scientific method. Match each to the correct
method? step.
a. A method used by scientists to try and find the
answers to questions. A. Observation C. Experiment
b. Used by scientists only throughout the world.
c. A method to prove the right answer to a question B. Hypothesis D. Conclusions
by a scientist.
d. The steps scientists use and follow when trying to 7. D Noah studied the results of the experiment and
solve a problem or to prove or disprove a theory. realized he was correct.
2. Which of the steps in the scientific method would a scientist
use for seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting? 8. B Tamara said, “If I talk to my plants, they will grow
a. Conclusion faster.”
b. Observation
c. Experiment
d. Hypothesis 9. A Juan noticed the birds were not eating a certain
3. Which of the following is the best example of a hypothesis? kind of bread.
a. Do hamsters live longer than birds?
b. Cars and trucks usually use the same amount of 10. C Charlotte filled one cup with water, and the
gasoline. other cup with salt and water.
c. I think dogs make better pets for everyone.
d. Brand B lightbulb will burn longer in a lamp than 11. C Evan recorded the responses to the questions
Brand X lightbulb. he asked the group of people.
4. Which statement is true?
a. An experiment is a test which will either challenge 12. A Anna saw certain bees liked some flowers but
or support a hypothesis.
not others.
b. An experiment is a test which must always prove
the hypothesis.
c. An experiment is only used when trying to prove a 13. B “I think people in their teens have better
hypothesis. memories than those over 20.”
d. An experiment does not have to be part of the
scientific method. 14. D Ben discovered an earthworm could dig at least
5. Fill in the blank with one of the choices. If the results of an three tunnels per day.
experiment support the hypothesis a(n) __________ can be
written. 15. C Haley measured the height each type of ball
a. Observation bounced into the air.
b. New hypothesis
c. Conclusion
16. A John wondered if the taste of sodas changed
d. Experiment
6. The scientific method when ice was added to them.
a. Can be used for simple experiments or more
difficult experiments 17. D Angela’s experiment showed earthworms move
b. Can be used only for simple experiments at home away from light.
or in the classroom
c. Can only be used for experiments carried out by 18. B “If a student watches only one hour of TV per
scientists day, grades will improve,” Michael thought.
d. Can only be used for very difficult experiments

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