The Scientific Method for Kids: How to use This Free Printable
Kids constantly explore the world around them. Use this free Scientific Method for Kids printable in your science center or class library to show your young children that they are scientists.
Why Should You Introduce the scientific Method to Young Kids?
Young children are natural scientists who are constantly exploring the world around them. That’s why it’s never too early to introduce scientific vocabulary and to talk about scientists with little learners. This free printable is a great way to show young kids that they are scientists.
What is The Scientific Method?
The scientific method is a process that scientists use to study the world around them. My printable illustrates a simplified version of the scientific method. Kids naturally use the steps as they explore their world. You can use the printables to illustrate to children that they are scientists.
You can bind the steps together into a little book, tape them together to make an accordion book, or you can hang the steps on the wall or bulletin board.
You might even figure out another way to use them….and I would love to hear about it.
What are The Six Steps of The Scientific Method?
The six steps of the scientific method include:
- Make observations
- Form questions
- Develop a Hypothesis
- Test the Hypothesis
- Record the Results
- Share the Results
You may be thinking, “how can I use these steps with preschoolers?” Well….it’s easier than you think.
Step 1: Make Observations
The first step of the scientific process involves making observations. Here are some open-ended questions that you can ask to encourage kids to make observations:
- What do you see, hear, taste, smell, feel?
- What did you notice about the rocks?
- Can you tell me about the block tower that you made?
- What do you notice about the plants?
Step 2: Form Questions
Step #2 is the step of wonder. Encourage kids to form questions about their observations.
- I wonder what will happen if the rocks get wet?
- I wonder why the block tower collapsed?
- I wonder why that plant is droopy?
- I wonder what will happen when I put the green bean in the water?
Step 3: Develop a Hypothesis
Step 3 of the scientific process involves developing a hypothesis or making a prediction to answer the question. This is the step of think……”I think.”
- I think that the rocks will be slippery when they are wet.
- I think that the block tower fell over because the base was too small.
- I think that the plant is droopy because it is sad.
Step 4: Test the Hypothesis
Now, the fun part….testing the hypothesis. Kids can use a spray bottle to get rocks wet, they can try another method to build their block tower, or they can sing songs to the droopy plant.
Step 5: Record the Results
Scientists always record the results of their experiments. Kids can also record results in their own way. They can talk about the results, but you can also use this as an opportunity to encourage literacy. Providing writing paper or blank books throughout your room will encourage kids to draw pictures or “write” about their scientific discoveries.
You can also take videos (slo-mo videos are REALLY cool) or snap a picture to record experimentation results.
Step 6: Share the Results
The final step in the scientific method is sharing the results. Here are some ways that young scientists can share results.
- You can have a simple conversation with kids about what happened.
- Kids can invite others to re-test and see the results of their experimentation.
- Children can share the results with parents at pick-up or with other kids at circle time
- Little scientists can share the notes, photos, drawings from step 6 to someone.
- You can hang photos of their experimentation or their drawings/writing in the hallway.
Much like a life cycle, the scientific method can be cyclical. Kids can decide if they are satisfied with their results or if they want to form a new hypothesis and test it.
Get the Free Scientific Method for Kids Printable
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I hope that you enjoy using these printables with your little scientist.
More Science Resources for Kids
Are you looking for more science resources for your young kids? Check out these fun activities in the store.
