Day 7 of 30
Designing experiments: variables
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Learning Objective
Students will be able to explore designing experiments and variables.
In this lesson, we'll explore designing experiments: variables. Scientific inquiry allows us to investigate and explain natural phenomena.
An experiment is a controlled test to see if a hypothesis is correct. In an experiment, you change one thing (the variable) and keep everything else the same, then observe what happens. For example, to test which paper airplane design flies farthest, you'd launch each design the same way and measure the distance. Careful experiments give us reliable data and help us understand cause and effect!
As you work through today's material, pay attention to the examples and try to identify the patterns or strategies being used. This will help you apply these concepts to new problems.
Take notes on key points and make connections to what you've already learned in previous lessons.
To examine systematically through observation and experiment
Observable facts that support or refute a claim
Instructions
Materials Needed
- Lab notebook
- Investigation materials
- Safety equipment if needed
List the steps of the scientific method in order.
Write a hypothesis for this question: "Does music help plants grow?"
Why is it important to have a control group in an experiment?
Teaching Tip
For this age group: Balance direct instruction with collaborative activities. Allow students to explain their thinking and make connections to prior knowledge when exploring designing experiments: variables.