Thinking like a scientist begins with inquiry. Inquiry is the method of asking questions and seeking explanations. The video on page 38 for our textbook demonstrates how students can be actively involved in inquiry activities.
What is the Scientific Method?
The scientific method is a process for experimentation that is used to explore observations and answer questions. The simple steps of the scientific method will help you focus your scientific question and work through your observations and data to answer the question as well as possible.
Teaching Tip: While substituting the younger grades (k-1) I have noticed that some teachers incorporate songs and videos to help students remember their ABC’s and 123’s. Jack Hartmann Kids Music Channel is a great source for all areas of learning. Here is a catchy video/song that he made about the scientific method:
The brainpop video on the fig plant was a great video that explains the scientific method, not only was it informative, but engaging as it was in animation form. The review and test questions really help you to understand and test your knowledge about the scientific method. Brainpop is a fun way for students to learn and a perfect way for teachers to check for understanding!
Some Video Reflections
After watching the Think Different video it made me realize that many different types of people have helped change and shape the world, based on their discoveries.
Robert Full’s video: Curiosity, discovery and gecko feet was amazing! I loved his quote, “Learning is NOT memorizing facts for tests.” This quote is powerful and very true. If our learning is based on information for tests and not because we want to learn, then we would live in a very dull world.
These videos have shaped my understanding of the purpose of the scientific method in teaching, because without curiosity and discoveries we wouldn’t be interested in learning, helping shape society, and wouldn’t benefit from anything in the world.
Three things that I discovered are:
- Curiosity improves learning
- The Scientific Method involves discoveries by asking questions, gathering/examining evidence, and seeing if all the available information can be combined into a logical answer.
- Scientific discoveries involve repeating steps many times for new information and ideas.
Two interesting facts that I learned:
- I was amazed to learn that geckos have hairy feet.
- Fig plants only need to be watered once a week in order to grow and survive.
My wonder question:
- Why don’t animals get sunburns?
Originally, I wondered how ants were able to crawl around on hot/humid days without burning up? I had a hard time finding this answer, but instead found the video of “why don’t animals get sunburns?”
My Characteristics of a Scientist:
Curiosity
Logic
Open-minded
Persistence
Creativity
What do you think are the most important Characteristics of a Scientist?
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