Scientific Method

Yesterday and today we discussed the scientific method. We watched a short video of a young surfer who wanted to find out which type of beach had the best surfing waves. He then used the scientific process to determine which of two beaches is better for surfing.

We then discussed and took notes about the scientific method in a yellow foldable which we put on p. 5 in our notebooks. I also shared a mnemonic device to help them remember the 7 stages of the scientific method.

Peter = Identify a Problem

Rabbit = Research

Hates = Form a Hypothesis

Peas = Design and Perform an experiment

And = Analyze results

Carrots, = Draw a Conclusion

Carrie = Communicate results.

Here is a link to the video we watched. This may or may not work. I haven't tried this before, so let me know how it works.

http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?blnPreviewOnly=1&guidAssetId=bdef8d10-922e-4d82-adf5-aedb952b16cb

Homework: Students should respond to the Essential Question on p. 4: "How do scientists learn about the world around them?" This written response should include a couple of sentences about how the scientific method works, how Carsten (the young surfer) used it, or how it can apply to something they might need to learn about. In addition, students should create their own mnemonic device to help them remember the steps of the scientific method on the bottom half of the page.