Using the Scientific Method with Kids

October 23, 2024 by Sarah White Leave a Comment

The scientific method is the basis for all research that’s done in science, and it’s how we go about doing experiments in the classroom or in the real world. You probably remember at least parts of it from your own school days, and it’s actually great to start using this process with kids even at a young age.

The basic parts of the scientific method are to make observations, come up with a question based on those observations, predict what you think will happen, experiment, record your results and draw conclusions, and share your results with others.

That sounds complicated, but introducing the scientific method can be as easy as telling kids about a project you’re going to try and asking what they think will happen and why. Then do the thing and talk about what happened and why.

This can be worked into projects as simple as blowing up a balloon, making slime or playdough at home, or any of the classic science experiments we all know and love.

If you want a project to walk through learning the scientific method for kids, Little Bins for Little Hands has a post all about it and an ice melting experiment you can use to practice the steps. There’s even a full set of scientific process printables you can use with all the steps laid out and explained, as well as sheets kids can use to write or draw their responses to the different steps.

Once you and they start thinking in terms of the scientific method when you do activities, this process will start to come quite naturally. Kids are naturally little scientists full of curiosity about the world around them, and using the scientific method to guide their inquiries is a great way to focus their attention and get them thinking scientifically.

Learn more at Little Bins for Little Hands.

[Image by info9srinivas from Pixabay]

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Beach Crafts Kids Can Make — No Vacation Required

Last month I shared a collection of beach crafts that used items from the beach like seashells and sand. This month’s collection is all about beach animals and things you might see at the beach that don’t require beachy materials to make. In fact you’ve probably got what you need to make most of these beach crafts in your house already.

How about paper plates? With a paper plate you can make this cute watercolor seashell from The Educator’s Spin on It, or an adorable seagull like this one from Glued to My Crafts.

Add some white beans and you can make paper plate sand dollars like Crafts by Amanda. Or use a paper plate as a frame for a sweet beach scene like this crab and turtle one from Artsy Craftsy Mom, which includes a downloadable template and instructions to make it super easy.

Or grab a paper plate and some bubble wrap to make a jellyfish like this one from Happy Toddler Playtime. If you have paper bowls instead of plates, you can also make a jellyfish from one of those, like Natural Beach Living did.

Use your stash of craft sticks and googly eyes to make crabs, fish, sharks and more with this craft idea from The Keeper of the Cheerios.

I love this little crab made with a cardboard tube from Hunny I’m Home. With this same idea I’ll bet you could make lots of different creatures.

Grab some construction paper to make the loopy tentacles on this watercolor jellyfish from Craftsy Hacks. Or make a stained glass jellyfish like this one from Life Anchored.

Make easy puffy paint to make these fun fluffy starfish from I Heart Crafty Things, or use cupcake liners to make cute little crabs (also from I Heart Crafty Things).

Turn an old pool noodle into some super cute fish with this tutorial from Happy Toddler Playtime.

And if you’ve got some leftover yarn lying around, make pompoms and turn them into turtles like these from Craftsy Hacks. (And check out my post on different ways to make pompoms if you need a refresher!)

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