Experiment Design

Sometimes children start with a question, or sometimes they have done some research.  Either way, the time has come to design the experiment.

Continue reading "Experiment Design"

Start by describing exactly what you want to find out.  Your design should include three main parts.

1. Problem
2. Hypothesis
3. Procedure

Keep it simple.  Don't try to design one experiment that answers every possible question.

When designing an experiment, be sure to describe exactly what you want to find out.  Most children will have one question that describes what they want to find out.  For example "Do small pieces of ice take the same time to melt as an ice cube if they are at room temperature?"

When you are designing the experiment, be sure to describe all the constant variables.  In this experiment, room temperature is a constant variable.

Next you need to describe how you will conduct the experiment.

"I will take two ice cubes the same size out of the freezer.  One will be put in a bowl on the counter.  One will be broken into smaller pieces and put in a matching bowl.  I will time how long it takes them to melt"

If you aren't sure about terms like controls or dependent variables, you can find out by reading What is an Experiment.

Notes to Parents:

1. Every parent must use their own judgment in choosing which activities are safe for their own children.  While Science Kids at Home makes every effort to provide activity ideas that are safe and fun for children it is your responsibility to choose the activities that are safe in your own home.
2. Science Kids at Home has checked the external web links on this page that we created.  We believe these links provide interesting information that is appropriate for kids.  However, the internet is a constantly changing place and these links may not work or the external web site may have changed.  We also have no control over the "Ads by Google" links, but these should be related to kids science and crafts.  You are responsible for supervising your own children.  If you ever find a link that you feel is inappropriate, please let us know.

Send us a note if you have any questions.