How to Be a Scientist: Observe, Predict, Test
A friendly first science lesson for young children: be a real scientist by looking closely (observe), making a smart guess (predict) and trying it out (test) with a safe sink-or-float experiment.
Key takeaways
- A scientist looks closely at the world. This is called observing.
- A scientist makes a smart guess about what will happen. This is called a prediction.
- A scientist tries it out to see if the guess was right. This is called testing.
- It is okay to be wrong! A wrong guess still teaches you something new.
A scientist is a looker
Did you know you can be a scientist today? A scientist is someone who wants to know how the world works. The best part is the secret: scientists are just very good at three things. They observe, they predict, and they test. Let's learn each one.
Step 1: Observe
To observe means to look really, really closely. Use your eyes to see colours and shapes. Use your ears to hear sounds. Use your nose to smell and your hands to feel.
Pick up a leaf. Is it smooth or bumpy? Big or small? Green or brown? When you notice all these things, you are observing — just like a real scientist. You can practise this anywhere using Exploring Nature With Your Five Senses.
Step 2: Predict
To predict means to make a smart guess about what will happen next.
Hold a small stone over a bowl of water. Will it sink to the bottom or float on top? Make your guess out loud: "I think it will sink!" That guess is your prediction. A good scientist always guesses before they try.
Step 3: Test
Now for the fun part. To test means to try it out and watch what really happens.
Drop the stone gently into the water. Did it sink? Then your guess was right! Did it float? Then you learned something surprising. Either way, you win, because now you know.
Try this: sink or float
Ask a grown-up to help. You will need a bowl of water and a few small things from around the house: a coin, a cork, a plastic spoon, a grape, a small toy.
- Observe each object. Is it heavy or light? Hard or soft?
- Predict for each one: "Will it sink or float?" Say your guess.
- Test it. Pop it in the water and watch.
Were your guesses right? Some heavy things sink and some light things float — but it is not always the way you expect! A big log floats, and a tiny pin sinks. That is why scientists always test.
Keep your face away from the water, do not put small objects in your mouth, and let a grown-up help you tidy up.
Being wrong is wonderful
Here is the best scientist secret of all: it is okay to be wrong. If your guess was wrong, you did not fail. You discovered something new! Every wrong guess helps you make a better guess next time. That is how every great scientist learns.
So go on — observe, predict, and test. You are a scientist now. Next you could watch a real change happen with The Three States of Water.
Quick quiz
Test yourself and earn XP
What do scientists do when they look very closely at something?
Looking closely is called observing. Scientists use their eyes, ears, nose and hands to notice things.
What is a prediction?
A prediction is your best guess about what you think will happen before you try it.
How does a scientist find out if their guess is right?
To test means to try it out and watch what really happens.
What should you do if your guess was wrong?
Being wrong is part of science! A wrong guess teaches you something and helps you guess better next time.
FAQ
No! Your most important tools are your own eyes, ears, nose and hands. Real scientists do use things like magnifying glasses and rulers, but a young child can be a scientist with nothing more than curiosity and a careful look. You can be a scientist in the bath, in the garden or at the kitchen table.
Yes, with a grown-up nearby. Use a bowl of water and small everyday objects like a spoon, a cork, a coin or a plastic toy. Keep your face away from the water and never put small objects in your mouth. Always have a grown-up help and dry up any spills so no one slips.
Keep exploring
More in Nature