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By the end of this lesson, students will be able to identify and explain the steps of the scientific method, and apply them to a simple experiment.

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Students will:
1. List the steps of the scientific method in order
2. Explain the purpose of each step
3. Formulate a hypothesis for a given scenario
4. Design a basic experiment using the scientific method

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How do scientists investigate the world around them?

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Teacher presents the steps of the scientific method:
1. Ask a question
2. Do background research
3. Construct a hypothesis
4. Test with an experiment
5. Analyze data
6. Draw conclusion
7. Communicate results

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The Steps of the Scientific Method for Kids - Science for Children: FreeSchool

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In small groups, students analyze a given scenario and identify which step of the scientific method is being used. They can use Padlet to collaborate and share their findings with the class.

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Teacher provides various questions, and students practice formulating hypotheses. For example:
Question: Does the type of music affect plant growth?
Hypothesis: Plants exposed to classical music will grow taller than plants exposed to rock music or no music.

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Independent Practice: Design an Experiment

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Independent Practice: Design an Experiment

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Students individually design a simple experiment following the scientific method. They can choose from topics like:
- Does the color of light affect plant growth?
- How does temperature affect the bounce height of a ball?
- Does the shape of an ice cube affect how quickly it melts?

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Over 1,200 free science projects searchable by subject, difficulty, time, cost and materials. Browse the library or let us recommend a winning science project for you!

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For students who finish early or need an extra challenge, they can explore an online simulation of the scientific method.

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Over 1.1 billion simulations delivered

160interactive simulations

97language translations

3001teacher-submitted lessons

Founded in 2002 by Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman, the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado Boulder creates free interactive math and science simulations. PhET sims are based on extensive education research and engage students through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery.

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Founded in 2002 by Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman, the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado Boulder creates free interactive math and science simulations. PhET sims are based on extensive education research and engage students through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery.

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Throughout the lesson, use exit tickets to check understanding:
1. Name two steps of the scientific method
2. What comes after forming a hypothesis?
3. Why is it important to do background research?

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Students exchange their experiment designs and provide feedback using a rubric based on the scientific method steps.

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End-of-lesson quiz covering:
- Ordering the steps of the scientific method
- Identifying the purpose of each step
- Analyzing a given experiment and identifying its components

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In small groups, students discuss:
1. What was the most interesting thing you learned about the scientific method?
2. How might you use the scientific method in your daily life?
3. What step do you think is the most important and why?

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Students create a post on a class Padlet answering: 'How has your understanding of the scientific method changed after today's lesson?'

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Students find a news article about a recent scientific discovery and identify how the scientific method was used in the research.

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Create a comic strip or infographic illustrating the steps of the scientific method.

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Storyboard That: Free Comic Maker for Comics & Strips [2025]

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Storyboard That: Create comics and graphic novels with our free comic maker. Easily make comic strips and unleash your creativity today!

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Complete a worksheet with various scenarios, identifying which step of the scientific method is being used in each.