Kids of all ages love conducting science experiments as part of their science education. Use these scientific method worksheets to teach about the steps of the scientific method.
Also as templates when your kids are doing their own experiments.
If you are looking for some basic worksheets to use with your kids then check out the resrouces described below.
Directions for how to access the downloadable printable pack can be found at the bottom of this post.
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Diagram Worksheet
You can use the diagram sheets with elementary students and middle school aged kids. I made two versions, one a guided cut and paste along with a blank diagram.
The image below shows the cut and paste version which comes with printable pictures to go along with each of the steps.
When you download the free printable pack, you will get access to both versions of the printable chart.
1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th grade students can practice the scientific method steps with the guided cut and paste worksheet.
While older children in 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade can use the blank version to write and draw their own illustrations.
However, you know your kids best and can use either sheet with any of the ages listed above!
Even high school aged kids can benefit from a quick review of the different steps of the scientific method before conducting a scientific investigation.
Either sheet would be a great way to introduce the method as part of an introductory lesson.
Basics of Scientific Method
The core of the scientific method is that it is a process to be explored, not just memorized.
If you have ever made an observation which then sparked a question, then you know what I am talking about.
Working through a problem using a series of steps is the basic idea behind the this method.
The nature of science is to use data collected from an experiment to answer a question.
Often times, the results spark more questions and then lead to more scientific investigations. Which is awesome!
For ideas and science concepts to explore by grade, check out the Next Generation Science Standards.
Scientific Method Template
Now the fun part begins...designing and conducting experiments with your kids. The best way for children to learn the scientific method is to actually practice the scientific process!
Keep it simple and try out this cloud experiment with your kids. Or let them plan and design their own science experiment using this worksheet to record their process.
If you are looking to explore different variables, this apple browning experiment is a fun option. Or even try making a cloud in a jar together!
This worksheet keeps it simple. My goal was to make a basic template that will not overwhelm budding young scientists.
I did not include spaces for kids to record dependent variables, independent variable, and the control group.
However, if your kids are ready for that next step, they can write down the different variables in a science notebook.
Starting with a Question
On the top of the printable is room for your kids to write the question they want to explore. This usually is sparked by an observation.
For example, you may notice a new plant turning yellow in the window. Your kids may come up with a few questions based off of that observation:
- What causes a plant to turn yellow?
- Will over watering turn a plant's leaves yellow?
- Can under watering make the leaves yellow?
- If a plant needs nutrients will its leaves turn yellow?
Any one of these questions can be turned into a scientific inquiry. Have your kids write down their question in the space provided.
Conduct Research
In the space to the right of the question is room two record some research. Books, online articles, and even asking other people what they know is considered research.
Encourage your kids to write a few short points they learned through their research in that space.
This step is often missing on scientific method worksheets, but I really feel that this step is important.
Even having a quick conversation with a young child will help them to build a better understanding about what they are going to explore in the experiment.
Making first hand connections to what you are learning about is the difference between simply going through the motions and understanding the scientific process.
Making a Prediction
In a true scientific inquiry, the hypothesis would be written as an "If...then..." statement. But again, we are keeping it simple here.
Give your kids time to make a prediction. What do they think will happen? They can even write down why they think that will happen.
Going back to the yellowing plant scenario, maybe they predict that giving a plant too much water will cause its leaves to turn yellow.
Perfect, have them write that down.
Materials List and Safety
To see if their hypothesis is correct, your kids will carry out an experiment.
On the worksheet there is room to record the supplies they will need along with any safety tips they should follow.
These are both usually written in list form. Along with each supply, make sure they write how many of each item is needed.
Example: 4 potted plants
You can either come up with your own experiment or find one online or a book.
Procedure
Here is where your kids will write down the steps for their experiment. This is a numbered list written in the correct order.
I like to think of this part as the directions for making a recipe. Make sure each step is specific and easy to understand.
Data
It must be the science teacher in me, but I love data tables, graphs, and really any type of chart!
In this space your kids can draw illustrations with labels to show what happens during the experiment.
A chart or data table is a great way to organize the information your kids collect.
These are really helpful when collection numerical data such as temperature or time.
Rather than writing numbers haphazardly within the section, making a table keeps everything nice and organized.
Of course, numbers are only one type of data, your kids can make scientific drawings or sketches too!
Helpful Hint: decide what type of observations you are going to record before beginning the experiment.
Results of the Experiment
The final step of the scientific method is to draw conclusions.
How did the data compare to your hypothesis? In other words, what are the results of the experiment?
Kids love sharing what they learned with others. On the sheet they can write down how the data supports or disproves their hypothesis.
Take it one step further and make a list of additional questions that can explored.
Kids can also make a presentation or verbally share their results with others.
If more than one child ran the same experiment it would be fun to compare data and results with each other!
You can make your own science fair even at home by setting up a table and displaying their work.
By giving them time to explain the process, they are deepening their understanding of the scientific process.
Bonus Coloring Sheet
Who doesn't like coloring? This free scientific method coloring sheet is a fun way to reinforce the different steps of the process.
Each stage features a black and white image that your kids can color.
A great independent activity for your kids to do while learning about conducting experiments.
To download the PDF version of these worksheets check out the directions at the bottom of the post.
Additional Science Printables
Free printables are a great way to do science with your kids. Whether you are teaching a science class to a group of students or homeschooling one child.
Make sure to check out these additional posts:
New posts are added to the blog every week. Resources include Nature Inspired printables and hands-on activities to do with your kids ages pre-K through upper elementary.
Don't hesitate to leave a comment or send an email with any questions.
Terms of Use
These printables were created by Nature Inspired Learning and are for personal use only in your home, classroom, or public library. All of these free scientific method worksheets are for non-commercial use. See full disclosure. Have questions, send me an email at julie (at) natureinspiredlearning (dot) com
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