The
Scientific Method
1. Defining the Question
2. Locating Resources/Gathering Information
3. Forming a Hypothesis/Hypotheses
4. Planning Research Collection Methods
5. Collecting Data
6. Organizing & Analyzing the Data
7. Interpreting Data & Drawing Conclusions
8. Communicating the Results
The
Scientific Method
Recognizing that personal and cultural beliefs influence both
our perceptions and our interpretations of natural phenomena,
we aim through the use of standard procedures and criteria to
minimize those influences when developing a theory. As a famous
scientist once said, "Smart people (like smart lawyers)
can come up with very good explanations for mistaken points of
view." In summary, the scientific method attempts to minimize
the influence of bias or prejudice in the experimenter when testing
an hypothesis or a theory.
The
Scientific Method
These steps make up a method which may be used to logically solve
problems in many other areas of life. Françesco Redi and
Louis Pasteur used the scientific method to disprove the idea
of spontaneous generation.
Experimental
Science Projects
Not all questions can be dealt with by the experimental scientific
method. You must choose a question or problem that can be formulated
in terms of hypothesis that can be tested. Tests done to check
hypothesis are called experiments.
How
Non-scientists use the Scientific Method
The scientific method is used unconsciously by many people on
a daily basis, for tasks such as cooking and budgeting.
Anywhere Activities
Written by a preschool teacher who specializes in early childhood science, these easy-to-do ideas are fun ways for you and your kids to learn simple science concepts. Each activity extends the science ideas of each PEEP and the Big Wide World story.
Bizarre Stuff
This site is an ever growing warehouse of the kinds of projects
some of the more demented of us tried as young people, collecting
in one place many of the classic, simple science projects that
have become part of the collective lore of amateur science.
BrainPOP
Movies, comic strips, contests and more in this animated science
help site that is guaranteed to blow your mind!
Bubble
Gum Science Project
What kind of bubble gum would blow the biggest bubble? Can you
duplicate and prove or disprove these results? What if you changed
the variables, such as experimented on high and low humidity
days? High and low pressure days? High and low temperature days?
DragonFlyTV
Join in with real kids doing their own science investigations
of their favorite activities. A PBS series with programs and
experiments outlined here.
EarthSky Kids NEW
The articles and podcasts are by scientists and cover interesting and varied topics. In general the articles are suited for around 8 and up and the podcasts for 12 and up.
Experiment of the Week List
Robert Krampf offers to email you a wide variety of experiments
that are unusual, safe, dramatic, cheap, and fun. You can also
read his suggestions on his Yahoo Group page here.
Exploratorium
Science Snacks
Dozens of science "exhibits" you can create right in
your own home.
Hunkin's Experiments
Cool cartoons that will have you experimenting with food, light,
sound, clothes, and a whole lot more! Hundreds of cartoon
experiments from cartoonist, broadcaster and engineer Tim Hunkin.
Interactive
Online Exhibitions
From the Natural History Museum in England, lead you through
the actual steps naturalists use to classify and identify objects
found in nature.
Janice
VanCleave's Science for Fun
All the information you need to create a winning science fair
project. Be sure to check out the Science
Fair Handbook.
MadSciNet
The 24-hour exploding laboratory. Not sure what you want to learn?
Try the Random Knowledge Generator!
Mad Scientist's
Laboratory
Some great experiments you can do at home to explore the strange
world around us.
Magic School Bus Fun & Games
What Do You See? Riddle of the Week, pages to color, name search.
New
York Times Science Q & A
New question answered daily. Archive available for browsing.
The
One Inch Square Project
Science is about testing - and about looking closely. Some scientists
use microscopes to take a close look. We're going to use a simple
piece of paper.
Planet
Science | Under 11s
This site has science fun for infants through 10 year olds.
Project ideas
for BA CREST
The BA is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation dedicated
to connecting science with people, so that science and its applications
become accessible to all.
Reeko's
Mad Scientist Lab
Science experiments for children of all ages. Kick off your shoes.
Pull up a chair. Make yourself comfortable Oh yeah, did we mention
that protective goggles are required.
Santa Barbara Science
We went to Brian Rich's seminar on homeschooling science at the
Home=Ed Conference. Advice and experiments.
School
Science Clips
Interactive Flash science lessons for kids by age level from
the BBC.
Science Activities for Children
New activities and experiments every other month that can easily
be done at home. From the American Chemical Society.
Science Lab
Try these in your kitchen: exploding milk colors, the zapper,
and dancing spaghetti.
Science Made
Simple
Kids, learn science the easy, hands-on way. Get fun science projects
& great experiments using household materials. Clear, detailed
answers to your science questions.
Science Toys
Make toys at home with common household materials, often in only
a few minutes, that demonstrate fascinating scientific principles.
Science With Me
Animations, games, worksheets, kids science projects, e-books, e-coloring books. Some sections free to try, site membership available with adult registration.
Yes
Mag Projects
As everyone knows, Science is more fun if you get to do
something! So here you go, print out the following projects and
do them at home.
Yuckiest Site
on the Internet
Burps, spit, worms and bugs. All about these yucky things and
then some. Totally gross.
ZoomSci
Mix hot science withyour cool ideas.
Dragonfly
An outstanding youth science eZine. Places to post your discoveries,
contribute your science art. Now a TV
show with even more science ideas!
Sally Ride Science
Club
Sally Ride - America's first woman in space - created the Club
to encourage and empower girls who are, or might become, interested
in math, science and computers. It's open to girls in grades
5-8 and actively promotes membership from diverse groups of girls.
Science a GoGo
Invent a solution to the science problem of the month and win
a silly prize. Come back regularly.
Star
Fleet Academy
Try science as a member of Star Fleet Academy. Use the Universal
Translator to communicate with other members who knows where!
Wilderness Kids Club
A place where kids share their adventures with kids everywhere. Nature studies, wildlife observation, question/answers from real scientists, outdoor activity ideas, and real kid adventures. Sponsored by the Wilderness School Institute, where they "take learning back to nature."