First, ask a question and then, do research. Next, form a hypothesis, and conduct an experiment. Make observations, gather and analyze data, and then state a conclusion based on the results. This is the scientific method, and here is a...

Here is a resource with a descriptive approach to explaining the scientific method. It's simple, but effective for both introduction and reinforcement of this concept. 

The scientific method is the focus of a reading comprehension exercise that provides readers with a short description of the steps, and then asks them to respond to a series of questions based on the article.

Students explore the scientific method. In this scientific method instructional activity, students use information gathered from a "Seed Dispersal" lab done previously to complete a worksheet listing the steps of the scientific method.

Don't underestimate the value of a clean mouth! Here is a six-lesson unit that details everything a youngster needs to know about oral hygiene. It includes lessons on the purpose of a mouth and teeth, the nature of oral...

Franklin learns about the world by making observations, and so do we! A short reading assignment prompts fourth graders to answer comprehension questions about a curious boy and what he notices.

Learners investigate safe laboratory procedures, classroom management guidelines, and group roles and procedures. They study a set of safety guidelines with their parents, and to sign a contract stating that they understand the...

How much does your class know about psychology? What about empirical evidence? If they could use some time to learn the essentials of psychology, use a quick reference sheet to note what they know before the test, after the unit, and at...

Although the methods are all scientific, forensic science was started by police officers rather than scientists, who relied on observation and common sense. Young detectives use many tools to solve crimes around the school in a...

Focus on inquiry-based learning in your science class with a series of activities designed for middle schoolers. A helpful packet samples four different texts, which include activities about predator-prey relationships, Earth's axis...

You can't unring a bell, but can you unmelt an ice cube? Readers consider reversible and irreversible changes with a short informational reading passage and accompanying comprehension questions.

Fourth graders practice using the scientific method.  In this results and conclusions lesson, 4th graders review data collected, create a graph of their data and make their final conclusions about the information collected.

Determine what young pupils already know about earth science with a brainstorming activity. After class members work together to complete a KWL chart about the Earth, they craft an acrostic poem to demonstrate their understanding.

Pupils study the classification system used in a library. In this sorting and classification lesson, students visit their library and define the classification system in place. Pupils discuss the sorting method and then come up with a...

Young mathematicians define population, draw convenience sample from the population, draw quota sample from the population, and draw random probability sample from the population. They explain why a random probability sample usually...

Learners explore the scientific process by completing a pegboard activity. In this art design lesson plan, students identify the similarities between the art process and the scientific method while experimenting with art beads and...

What better way to make predictions about future weather and climate patterns than with actual climate data from the past? Young climatologists analyze data from 400,000 to 10,000 years ago to determine if climate has changed over...

Sixth graders practice using logic and scientific proof while examining animal tracks.  In this scientific method lesson plan, 6th graders identify different animals and the type of tracks they leave behind by observing...

Introduce infectious diseases and the epidemiologic triangle. A helpful resource describes the agent, host, and environment from the three vertices as well as the time factor, which is in the middle. Scholars complete a simple...

What is the difference between making inferences and making observations? Young climatologists refer to a PowerPoint to make observations on each slide. They record their observations in a provided worksheet before drawing a...

Can organic molecules come from a pre-biotic environment? Stanley Lloyd Miller proved it is possible when exactly the right conditions exist. Learn about his experiment and the other experiments later building off of it that changed the...

Fourth graders experiment to find the effects of exercise on the heart rate.  In this exercise and heart rate lesson, 4th graders create questions about exercise and heart rate. Students use the scientific method to test and analyze...

Students rewrite word problems and solve using math. In this word problem lesson, students gather data and observe the data. They relate this process to the scientific method and math. They review their data to be able to answer...

Students explore properties of coral. In this scientific observation instructional activity, students investigate properties and characteristics of coral. Students write statements describing the coral using observation words.