Asking questions, predicting and sharing findings

Science starts with wondering

Every scientist begins by wondering about something. Why do leaves change colour? Which ball bounces highest? Will ice melt faster in the sun or in the shade?

A question is something you ask because you want to find out. Good science questions are ones you can answer by looking, measuring or trying something.

The last question is about what people like, so we can’t answer it with a test.

Making a prediction

Before you test, you make a prediction. A prediction is a smart guess about what will happen. It is not just any guess. You use what you already know.

You might say: "I predict the rubber ball will bounce highest, because rubber is bouncy."

It’s fine if your prediction turns out to be wrong. Scientists are often wrong at first. That is how they learn something new.

A good way to say a prediction is: "I think ___ will happen because ___."

Testing your idea

Now it’s time to test. A test means trying something out to see what happens. To make the test fair, change only one thing at a time.

If you are testing which ball bounces highest:

• drop every ball from the same height
• drop them onto the same floor
• watch how high each one bounces

If you threw one ball hard and dropped another gently, the test would not be fair.

Watching and noticing

While you test, make an observation. An observation is something you notice with your senses. You might see that the tennis ball bounced up to your knee. You might hear that the rubber ball made a loud "boing."

Write or draw what you notice right away, so you don’t forget.

What happened?

The result is what actually happened. Compare the result with your prediction.

• Was your prediction right? Great! You learned your idea was correct.
• Was it wrong? Great again! Now you know something new.

Then ask: "What else could I find out?" A good test often leads to a new question.

Sharing what you found

Scientists share their findings so others can learn too. You can share by:

• telling your class what happened
• drawing a picture of your test
• making a simple chart
• showing the test again so others can watch

When you share, say what you asked, what you predicted, what you did and what happened.

In the real world

Weather forecasters predict tomorrow’s weather, then check whether they were right. Gardeners try different spots to see where tomatoes grow best. Toy makers test new toys again and again to make sure they are safe and fun.

Common mistakes

• Changing more than one thing. Then you can’t tell what caused the result.
• Changing your prediction after the test. Keep your first prediction, even if it was wrong.
• Forgetting to write things down. Record as you go.

Try it yourself

1. Ask: "Which will melt faster: an ice cube in the sun or one in the shade?"
2. Make a prediction: "I think ___ because ___."
3. Put two same-sized ice cubes on two plates, one in each place.
4. Check every 5 minutes and draw what you see.
5. Share your result with a family member.

Quick recap

• Science starts with a question you can test.
• A prediction is a smart guess based on what you know.
• A fair test changes only one thing.
• Observations are what you notice; the result is what happened.
• Scientists share what they find so everyone can learn.