Science Project Ideas for Kids

Notes from Janice’s Desk

Scientists make observations, identify problems, ask questions, guess at the answer (hypothesis), experiment to test their guess, collect and analyze data, and then make a conclusion stating where the result supported their hypothesis or not. These are the steps for a process called the scientific method.

Do scientists always follow the previously listed steps in the order given? No.

Do scientists always use every one of the steps? No.

Scientists do not always follow the steps in order and they don’t always use each step. Instead, they use the steps needed for the particular problem they are solving. You will find the scientific method discussed many times on this website, but you will also find that I don’t point out each of the steps with every investigation.

Young learners are very observant, and thus ask many questions–Why is the sky blue? Why do birds fly and I don’t? If I had feathers could I fly? Why do fish live in water? If I had scales could I live in water? Are there really …….etc…… The questions are endless and all so very important.

My goal for this website is not to just answer questions, but to provide information that will encourage further investigations. For example, my answer to the question, “Why is the sky blue?” might be, “I wonder…is the sky always blue?” This leads us to talking about the different colors in the sky at dawn (when the Sun is rising) or at sunset (when the Sun is setting). So when is the sky blue? When the Sun is above the horizon. So the Sun’s position has something to do with the sky’s color. Is there anything else involved? For a fun investigation, see SKY COLOR.

More Later,

Janice

Today, I’ll discuss the last and eighth step of the scientific method–Further Investigations. Some do not include this since the investigation is over. But I think it is an import part. This step gives you ideas for a future science project.

As a reminder, the symbol in the upper left corner of this page links to each step of the scientific method.

For step 2, see     SCIENTIFIC METHOD:Further Investigation

Conclusion is the seventh step of the scientific method. This is the finale –if you know how to use a computer, you might type this part. The conclusion doesn’t have to be long, but it does need to address your hypothesis. In other words, did your experimental results support your hypothesis or not? 

As a reminder, the symbol in the upper left corner of this page links to each step of the scientific method. You may wish to review the steps.

For step 2, see   SCIENTIFIC METHOD:Conclusion

Today, I’ll introduce the 6th  step of the scientific method–the Results, which is the analysis of the experimental data.

As a reminder, the symbol in the upper left corner of this page links to each step of the scientific method as it relates to an investigation about mixing blue and yellow paint.

While each step is important, this is the step that your investigation summary  “hangs” on. Do ask for advice for any of the steps.

For step 6, see SCIENTIFIC METHOD:Results