Resources

If you are new to helping students design their own scientific investigations, there is a program called “Smarter Science” which may be helpful to you.  It is designed to be used with students of all ages and it includes templates for helping students plan and conduct their experiments.

Youth Science Canada has been promoting this program for many years.  Follow the link below for more information and templates to use when introducing experiment design to students.

https://youthscience.ca/for-educators/

1. Topic: Weather - How accurate are newspaper weather forecasts in predicting actual weather conditions?

   • Method: Organize students to take temperature readings on a daily basis and record observations about precipitation, wind and cloud cover.  Compare this to what is printed in the daily newspaper. 

2. Topic:  Flight - What paper airplane design consistently results in a long and straight flight?

   • Method:  Have students construct various styles of paper airplanes from models and use their observations to design their own versions.  Film the construction and flight of the planes.

3. Topic: Motion - Design a vehicle powered by a rubber band. 

   • Method: Compare speeds and distance covered by different designs.

4. Topic: Plants -  What are the best conditions to grow plants from seeds in a classroom in February.  

   • Method: Have students consider what a plant needs to germinate and grow indoors.  Have students decide where their plants should be located in the room. Consider moisture, light, type of soil, size of container.  Allow a variety of answers to the question and start growing.