A1.1 Finding out by asking and looking
Scientists wonder, then find out. A research question starts with *what*, *where* or *how many*: "What do ants eat?" To find out, you can look closely, ask someone who knows, or read a book. Then you tell what you found.
Example
Find out: Which birds visit our schoolyard?
- Wonder: write the question.
- Look: watch the yard for ten minutes on three days; draw each bird.
- Tell: "We saw robins, sparrows and a crow."
A1.2 Testing an idea fairly
An experiment tests an idea. Keep everything the same except the one thing you are testing. Then watch what happens and record it — a drawing, a tally, a word.
Example
Test: Which cup keeps ice longest — a paper cup or a metal cup?
- Same: one ice cube in each, same room, same start time.
- Different: only the cup.
- Watch: check every five minutes; draw how much ice is left. The cup with ice left last wins.
A1.3 Designing and building
Engineers plan, build, test, and improve. First say what the thing has to do. Then draw a plan, build it, try it out, and fix what did not work.
Example
Build a bridge from paper that holds a toy car.
- Plan: draw it. Decide what it has to do: hold the car without bending.
- Build: fold and tape the paper. Test: put the car on.
- Improve: if it sagged, fold the paper into a zigzag and test again.
A1.4 Staying safe
Example
Choose the safety steps for mixing baking soda and vinegar.
- Wear goggles: the mix can fizz up.
- Carry scissors tips down; walk, do not run.
- Wash hands after; tell the teacher if anything spills.
A1.5 Telling what you found
Example
Tell the class what you found in the ice-cube test, using science words.
- Say the question: "We tested which cup keeps ice longest."
- Say what you did and saw: "The paper cup had ice after 20 minutes; the metal cup did not."
- Say what it means: "Paper keeps the cold in better." Show your drawing or tally.
Summary
- Wonder, look, tell.
- Change one thing; keep the rest the same.
- Plan, build, test, improve.
- Goggles on, scissors down, hands washed.
- Question, what happened, what it means.