4^th Graders Learn about the

SCIENTIFIC METHOD

The 4^th graders started out the year learning about the scientific method. We learned that real scientists use this method to conduct their experiments. We will use the scientific method when we do experiments this school year.

Here are the steps of the scientific method:

ê State the problem

ê Form a hypothesis

ê Identify and control the variables

ê Test your hypothesis

ê Collect the data

ê Interpret your data

ê State your conclusion

Foil Boat Experiment

We used the scientific method to test whether a wide boat or a narrow boat would hold more marbles. Here is how we set up our experiment.

ê Problem – Will a narrow boat or a wide boat hold more marbles?

ê Form a hypothesis – Each student wrote down their hypothesis.

ê Identify and control the variables – Each group had the same size aluminum foil and we used the same size marbles.

ê Test your hypothesis – Each group made either a wide boat or a narrow boat. We put the aluminum foil boats in a tub of water and put marbles in one at a time.

ê Collect the data – We wrote down how many marbles each group’s boat held. We made a data chart that looks like this:

Group # / Type of Boat	# of Marbles Held
1 –Narrow	22
2 – Narrow	34
3 – Wide	92
4 - Wide	70

ê Interpret your data – we looked at our data and the wide boats both held more than the narrow boats. The boat made by group #3 held the most marbles and was also the biggest. Wide boats displace more water – just like you float better when you are stretched out on your back and not when you are in a ball.

ê State your conclusion – We concluded that wide boats can hold more weight without sinking than narrow boats.

Constructing the boats	Deciding how to make the boat	Working Together	Making some finishing touches

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