While listening the Scientific Method Song (MP3), students learn about seven steps of the scientific method while listening to a catchy song.
Using this Scientific Method Activity Booklet, studentsfollow the scientific method when conducting an experiment or proving a hypothesis.
Wonder, guess, test, tell!
First graders learn that scientists follow steps to find answers. They ask a question, make a guess called a prediction, test it, watch what happens and share what they found. A first grade question might be "Will a penny sink or float?" or "Which paper towel soaks up the most water?" Kids record results with drawings, tally marks or a few words. The click moment comes when a child says "My prediction was wrong, but now I know!" and is proud of it.
First graders love to test things. These moves turn that curiosity into real science.
Play a scientific method song and post the steps on a chart with a picture for each. Kids point to each step as they sing. Before long, they can name every step in order.
Why it works: words set to a repeating melody are easier to recall than the same words spoken (Wallace, 1994).
Try it withScientific Method Song (MP3)SongsOpen it →Run one simple test together, like which objects a magnet will pick up. Stop at each step and record it on chart paper. Next time, kids run their own test and you just point to the chart.
Why it works: handing over the work step by step, from teacher to student, is one of the most widely used teaching frameworks (Pearson and Gallagher, 1983).
Try it withScientific Method Activity BookletWorksheetsOpen it →Before every test, ask "What do you think will happen, and why?" Kids share with a partner first. Saying the reason out loud is what turns a guess into a real prediction.
Why it works: using clear, consistent math words out loud is one of the U.S. Department of Education's recommendations for elementary math.
Teacher favorites right now: Scientific Method Song (MP3) and Scientific Method Activity Booklet.
Ask a question, make a prediction, test it, observe what happens and share the results. Many first grade classes use picture cards for each step so kids can follow along.
A prediction is a smart guess about what will happen, based on what you already know. First graders practice saying "I think... because..."
Sink or float, melting ice and paper towel soaking tests all work well. They use simple materials and give clear results kids can see.
Absolutely! Wrong predictions are part of science. Kids learn something new every time a result surprises them, and that is exactly what scientists do.
Loved by 2 million teachers & families
Printables, songs and games for every subject, Preschool through 6th. Ready to teach today, and kids beg for more.
