What Do Scientists Do?

Scientists make predictions.  "Where will the water go away faster?  In the sun?  In the shade?"

Scientists test their predictions.  They observe what is happening.  Then they discuss their findings and record their results.  We discovered that the water goes away faster in the sun and talked about the effect of heat .  We also discussed the term evaporation, and some children explained the water cycle to their classmates.

We worked on our observation skills by going outside with a clear square frame and observed what we could see within the frame.  This week we talked about how scientists use many different tools in their study of the world around them.  We learned two different techniques for using a magnifying glass and practiced looking at our thumbs and different things around our classroom.  Next week we will go outside with our magnifying glasses to use the skills we have learned.