The steps of the scientific method examine a problem, make a prediction, and attempt to solve the problem—similar to the path most stories take. In the activity, individuals see how stories can explain natural events similar to the way scientists tackle problems using the scientific method. Then, through presentations of stories, participants evaluate themselves and their peers.

Concepts

the scientific method, explanatory writing, oral presentations

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Read a folklore as a class for step one and model how to draw pictures to help them remember the story; then have learners independently finish the drawings

Classroom Considerations

• Activity best fits elementary and lower level middle school learners
• Resource is geared toward Hawaiian culture; pair with an ELA teacher to obtain folklore stories to use in the classroom in place of inviting an elder to the classroom to tell a story in step one (if needed)

Pros

• Incorporates ELA into the science classroom
• Activity provides Talk Story board, a home project guide, and presentation rubrics

Cons

• Activity doesn't fully explain or show how storytelling and the scientific method are alike; feels like a stretch to bridge the two and not sure if students can make that leap without confusion

Common Core

RST.6-8.5