Welcome to Our Exploring God’s World with Fourth Grade Science Homeschool Course

Course Sample for Our Exploring God’s World with Fourth Grade Science Homeschool Course

Science Detectives Mystery:
What Is the Scientific Method? Part 1

What is the scientific method, and why in the world do you need to know about it? I have something big to tell you. You have probably been using the scientific method without even realizing it!

The scientific method is a process for experimentation used in science observation to answer scientific questions.

The scientific method is broken down into the following steps:

• Ask a question
• Do background research
• Construct a hypothesis
• Experiment to test your hypothesis
• Analyze data and form a conclusion

Here is a website that has more information about the scientific method: http://www.biology4kids.com/files/studies_scimethod.html

Step One: Ask a Question

The first step in the scientific process is to ask a scientific question. A scientific question is a question that can be measured through an experiment. Think about questions you have asked that may relate to science. Here are some examples:

• Which is heavier, a rock or a cotton ball?
• If water is heated, what is the outcome?

There is an endless variety of questions in science! Scientific mysteries can be solved with the scientific process. Step one isn’t difficult at all. Just ask a scientific question!

Step Two: Do Background Research

What does it mean to research? When you research, you investigate something. If you were to do research on your favorite animal, you would be gathering information about your favorite animal from different sources. Sources can include books and the Internet.

Next, we’re going to conduct research about your favorite animal.

Where can you start researching? You can find information about a topic in books, magazines, and on the Internet. We’ll be researching our favorite animals using the Internet.

Step Three: Construct a Hypothesis

A scientific hypothesis is a prediction of what might happen after a scientific experiment. To form a hypothesis, you would find facts from your background research to predict what the results of the experiment will be at conclusion.

Here is an example of a hypothesis when using the steps of the scientific method.

Question: Will water become a solid in the refrigerator?

Background Research:

• Water becomes a solid when it freezes.
• Freezing temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Refrigerator temperatures are commonly between 35 degrees and 40 degrees.

Hypothesis:

Water will not become a solid in the refrigerator.

Next week you’ll learn about the final steps in the scientific method and conduct an experiment of your own!

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