Scientific Investigation

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Have you ever been outside and wondered, "Where is that sound coming from?" or, "What is that smell?"

If you have, you were on your way to starting an investigation. An investigation occurs when a person studies and collects data on something about which he or she is curious.

In this lesson, you will learn how to use your senses to investigate the same way scientists do. From this point on, you are a scientist!

The first step of investigation is finding something to investigate. Whether it is a sound you hear in your learning space or an ant hill you found outside, the possibilities for starting a fun investigation are endless.

The second step is gathering any supplies you may need for your investigation. You will need all the supplies listed below to complete this experiment. These supplies will be used throughout this entire lesson:

• paper
• pencil
• coloring materials
• clipboard

Next, you will need to use good observation skills. Great scientists use their senses to investigate. What are the five senses? Tell your parent or teacher what you think the five senses are.

Great work! The five senses are: sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. Scientists don't always use all of their senses. Sometimes, something may be too dangerous to taste, touch, or smell, especially when using harmful or unknown ingredients. Any time you are conducting an investigation, make sure you make smart choices about when to use certain senses and when not to use certain senses. If you are ever in doubt, ask your parent or teacher for help.

While a scientist is investigating, a scientist will collect data. There are many ways to collect data. You can write about what you are experiencing, draw pictures, take photographs, or video record what is happening during the investigating. Scientists collect data in as many ways as possible. The more data you collect, the better your investigation will be! Are you ready to start investigating?

Check out the Elephango lesson on recording data under Additional Resources in the right-hand sidebar if you want to learn more.

Great! Move on to the Got It? section to begin your investigation.