Here is a resource with a descriptive approach to explaining the scientific method. It's simple, but effective for both introduction and reinforcement of this concept. 

Students study the steps involved in the scientific method. They apply the scientific method to their science fair projects.

Young scholars explore the scientific method. In this scientific method lesson, students use information gathered from a "Seed Dispersal" lab done previously to complete a worksheet listing the steps of the scientific method.

Focus on inquiry-based learning in your science class with a series of activities designed for middle schoolers. A helpful packet samples four different texts, which include activities about predator-prey relationships, Earth's axis...

Determine what young pupils already know about earth science with a brainstorming activity. After class members work together to complete a KWL chart about the Earth, they craft an acrostic poem to demonstrate their understanding.

Franklin learns about the world by making observations, and so do we! A short reading assignment prompts fourth graders to answer comprehension questions about a curious boy and what he notices.

You can't unring a bell, but can you unmelt an ice cube? Readers consider reversible and irreversible changes with a short informational reading passage and accompanying comprehension questions.

Fourth graders practice using the scientific method.  In this results and conclusions lesson, 4th graders review data collected, create a graph of their data and make their final conclusions about the information collected.

Although the methods are all scientific, forensic science was started by police officers rather than scientists, who relied on observation and common sense. Young detectives use many tools to solve crimes around the school in a...

Students explore the scientific process by completing a pegboard activity. In this art design lesson, students identify the similarities between the art process and the scientific method while experimenting with art beads and templates....

Sixth graders practice using logic and scientific proof while examining animal tracks.  In this scientific method lesson plan, 6th graders identify different animals and the type of tracks they leave behind by observing...

Students explore properties of coral. In this scientific observation activity, students investigate properties and characteristics of coral. Students write statements describing the coral using observation words.

What better way to make predictions about future weather and climate patterns than with actual climate data from the past? Young climatologists analyze data from 400,000 to 10,000 years ago to determine if climate has changed over...

Monarch butterfly populations have decreased by 90 percent over the past 20 years due to misuse and ineffectiveness of some pesticides. Given the challenge to increase pesticide safety and effectiveness, the class, through discussion,...

Students explore scientific observations by examining the parts of a microscope. In this optics lesson, students discuss the importance of a focal point and focal distance when utilizing an optical device such as a microscope. Students...

Students study the classification system used in a library. In this sorting and classification lesson plan, students visit their library and define the classification system in place. Students discuss the sorting method and then come up...

Students explore physical science by participating in a class science activity. In this magnet attribute lesson, students define a list of scientific vocabulary terms associated with magnets and participate in hands on magnet activities....

Pupils examine microscopic life by conducting a scientific investigation. In this cell analysis instructional activity, students define the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and discuss their word origins. Pupils view each type of cell on...

Students examine the four forces of flight. In this flight lesson, students test to see which types of items will fly. Students make predictions on whether the item will fly or not. Students gain knowledge about lift, gravity, thrust and...

The microwave is a staple in many American households, but how exactly does it work? Approach this question from a scientific and practical standpoint, and discover cooking strategies, recipes, and methodologies for the standard...

What is the difference between making inferences and making observations? Young climatologists refer to a PowerPoint to make observations on each slide. They record their observations in a provided worksheet before drawing a...

Fourth graders experiment to find the effects of exercise on the heart rate.  For this exercise and heart rate lesson, 4th graders create questions about exercise and heart rate. Students use the scientific method to test and...

Each discipline has its own vocabulary, terms it uses to identify key concepts and processes. Sample, to psychologists, refers to those people (participants) a researcher is studying, while assignment refers to the treatment conditions...

Astronomers practice downloading data from a high-energy satellite and translate the data into colored or shaded pixels. As a hands-on activity, they use pennies to simulate high-energy satellite data and they convert their penny...