This track contains cool web sites where kids can explore all about science. They can find useful information, ask questions, play games, conduct experiements, and even get science fair topics and help. So click on in and explore the world of science!
As students get ready to take the 5th grade science TAKS test it is critical to have exposure to science concepts and skills. These web sites in this track provide students, teachers, and parents great tools and ideas to help kids experience science first hand. There are lots of easy science experiements that will introduce students to science concepts that they will need to know.
Don't forget to discuss with your child or students the importance of science as well as why they need to learn about science. There are many great careers available to both men and women in the fields of science and we use it daily in our adult lives.
The scientific process is a valuable tool that helps both children and adults experience science in a scientific approach. Whenever you are conducting a science experiement remember to use the scientific process. The steps are listed below:
- Define the question
- Gather information and resources
- Form hypothesis
- Perform experiment and collect data
- Analyze data
- Interpret data and draw conclusions that serve as a starting point for new hypotheses
- Publish results
The scientific process explained:
Scientists make progress by using the scientific method, a process of checking conclusions against nature. After observing something, a scientist tries to explain what has been seen.
The explanation is called an hypothesis. There is always at least one alternative hypothesis.
A part of nature is tested in a "controlled experiment" to see if the explanation matches reality. A controlled experiment is one in which all treatments are identical except that some are exposed to the hypothetical cause and some are not. Any differences in the way the treatments behave is attributed to the presence and lack of the cause.
If the results of the experiment are consistent with the hypothesis, there is evidence to support the hypothesis. If the two do not match, the scientist seeks an alternative explanation and redesigns the experiment.
When enough evidence accumulates, the understanding of this natural phenomenon is considered a scientific theory. A scientific theory persists until additional evidence causes it to be revised.
Nature's reality is always the final judge of a scientific theory.
Remember to learn about science and have fun!!!
