Investigation Skills

• Observation

Watch really closely to see exactly what happens.  

What order do things happen in?

What caused what you saw or heard?

Do the experiment again to check what you think you saw.

• Listening

First listen to understand instructions.

Listen and watch to notice changes.

Listen to identify what is happening.

Listen for changes in tone or pitch.

• Questioning

Ask questions to get a better understanding.

Ask questions to clarify your thinking.

Ask probing questions to find out more.

Test your questioning and thinking by changing your experiment.

• Testing Ideas
• Identifying Variables
• Changing Variables

Identify the things you could change about your experiment.

Make one change at a time to the activity you are doing.

Notice what happens when you make this change.

• Experimenting

Just try different things to see and hear what happens.

• Making Theories

Explain what you think is happening.  If you really understand then you will be able to make a PREDICTION about what will happen when...

• Making Connections

Think about the learning you are doing.

Make connections with what you have discovered and things you notice in your everyday life.

Skills of a Scientist

Observation Watch very carefully and notice what really happens.	Predicting Say what you think will happen before you do an experiment and give a reason for your thinking.
Experimenting Adjust and make a change to an experiment. Notice what happens when you make just one change.	Theorising Explain why something happened.  Give reasons why this happens.  Think creatively.
Asking Questions? Why does… How does… What if… What is… How is…	Recording Observations Scientists draw diagrams, measure things and write down results Use this book as a record of your science learning.
Patience	Using equipment safely

Week 8 - Science Week

Sound Investigation

To help with the experiments we will be doing next week.
Please collect and bring as many of the items listed below.

Sound Investigation Kit

Þ   2 m length of string

Þ   An old fork or spoon

Þ   Washed out tin can

Þ   2x Drinking straws

Þ   Inside of a toilet roll

Þ   Selection of elastic bands

Þ   A small candle

Þ   Washed takeaway box

Þ   A small (330 ml) bottle

Þ   A ruler

Þ   A pencil

Þ   Your ears