🔬 ScienceLevel 1Lesson 37
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Simple Experiment Fair

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Design and carry out a simple experiment using the five steps of the scientific method — question, prediction, method, results, conclusion
  • 2Record what is observed and present findings clearly
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Mini Lesson

Every great scientific discovery started the same way — with a question. Scientists follow a series of steps called the scientific method to answer questions fairly and accurately.

The five steps of the scientific method

  1. Step 1 — Question: Start with something you want to find out. "Does a plant grow taller with more water?" "Which objects sink?"
  2. Step 2 — Prediction (hypothesis): Write down what you think will happen — before you test. "I predict the plant with more water will grow taller."
  3. Step 3 — Method: Plan how you will test your prediction. What will you change? What will you keep the same? What will you measure?
  4. Step 4 — Results: Carry out the experiment and record exactly what you observe — write numbers, draw sketches, or use a table.
  5. Step 5 — Conclusion: Look at your results. Was your prediction correct? What did you find out? What would you do differently next time?

Three experiment ideas to choose from

  • Plant and light: Does a plant grow toward a light source? Cover one side of a seedling with a cardboard box with one hole cut out, and observe over 3–5 days.
  • Sink or float test: Choose 10 objects, predict which will sink or float, then test each in a bowl of water and compare predictions to results.
  • Soap and pepper: Pour water into a bowl, sprinkle pepper on top, then dip a soapy finger into the center. Predict what happens — then observe.
The five steps of the scientific methodFive labeled boxes connected by arrows — question, guess, test, result, share — showing the order of the scientific method.Scientific Method · 5 Steps1Questionwhat to find?2Guesspredict3Testmethod4Resultrecord data5Share / ConclusionWas my guess right?What did I learn?Tell others what I found.
Follow the five steps in order — every experiment works this way.
Experiment poster-board layoutA poster-board layout with a title at the top and four boxed sections — Question, Materials, Steps, and Result — each with space for writing and sketches.My Experiment PosterQuestionMaterialsSteps1.2.3.4.Resultsketch
Your poster-board: title on top, four boxed sections below.
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Ask yourself: "Did my result match my prediction? If not, why not? What did I learn from being wrong?"

Vocabulary
Scientific method
The five steps scientists use to answer a questione.g. I used the scientific method for my experiment.
Hypothesis
A guess about what will happen, made before the teste.g. My hypothesis was that the cork would float.
Prediction
What you think will happene.g. My prediction was the plant would grow taller.
Experiment
A test that helps us answer a questione.g. I did an experiment with sink or float.
Conclusion
What you learned at the end of an experimente.g. My conclusion: plants need light to grow.
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