Science Inquiry: Explore

Tip: Support students to learn more

Research is an important skill for students to build, and there will be a range in skills and comfort conducting research. To support students to learn more about what they are investigating, 

• Ask students to separate what they already know from what they need to find out.

• Help students use different options to research their topic, such as online resources, books, articles, videos, demonstrations, tactile manipulatives, and tutorials. 

• Share how to do an effective keyword search. 

• Provide graphic organizers or templates to direct the research.

• Encourage collaboration during research 

Tip: Set up a testable investigation

Work with students to set up their investigation and determine what they will measure (Understanding Scientific Inquiry). Make sure the data students gather will be able to answer the question. 

Students should be working with testable questions that are about specific events under specific conditions. They cannot be answered with a yes/no response.  

• Help students understand how data is different from observations, opinions, and inferences. 

• Help students gather the right kind of data. Try asking, How can you measure that? 

  • If the data are quantitative, what tools will they need to measure? 

  • If the data are qualitative, what observations should they be making?

• Ensure the materials for the investigation are available, such as lab equipment, specimens, or digital tools.

Tip: Science Notebook

The science notebook is a space for creativity, trying out new ideas, and making connections. It is okay for the science notebook to look “messy”! However, you want to be sure that the correct data are gathered.

Data tables help organize information and can reveal patterns. 

• Help students determine what data they need to gather. Ask whether they need qualitative data (i.e., observations they will record, such as how an appearance changes over time) or quantitative data (i.e., a number they will record, such as the measurement of a thermometer or scale)? 

• Use graphic organizers or tables to ensure the necessary data is gathered. Ask students, “How will you set up the data table?” Provide partially created data tables to support students to gather the relevant data.

• Is writing the only way data can be collected? Encourage students to record observations using multiple modalities, such as writing, verbally describing, taking photos, listening, and/or drawing