Updated date:

Mar 9, 2018

Mini Display Boards for Science Experiments

Author:: cardelean

Teaching children the scientific process is something that should be done at an early age and continued to be reinforced all year long. Unfortunately many times teachers wait until a science fair to teach students this process. It is then taught in isolation and students do not remember the process at all. Using these mini display boards in not only fun for students but it will help them to retain the process much more completely.

The Scientific Process

The scientific process is used by scientists to investigate a problem. They begin with a question which then formulates into a hypothesis which is tested in an investigation and conclusions are then drawn from the investigation. This is an important process to teach our young scientists as this procedure is how scientists test ideas and then share them with other scientists to replicate their work. In addition to teaching the process, it is important for students to understand that accuracy is very important in this process.

The Scientific Process

Steps	Definition
Question	This is the idea that will be investigated. It is put into question form.
Hypothesis	A hypothesis is a form of a prediction. The prediction is put into an If, then statement. For example: If I put vinegar over the egg, then.... (this is where the prediciton is inserted.)
Materials	This is a list of all of the materials that your investigation will use.
Procedure	The procedure provides a step by step guide to replicatiing the investigation. Students need to be reminded that accuracy in these steps is critical.
Data	The data are the observations that are collected during the process. I encourage my students to use their five senses. The data can be shared in the form of written word, drawings, photos, and more.
Results	What happened in your investigation? This will provide information about what occurred. It is a sort of summary of the observations.
Conclusion	The conclusion evaluates the hypothesis based on the results. Was the hypothesis correct or incorrect and why?

Materials Needed

one manila file folder for each student or group

two 3 1/2 x 5 index cards

markers or colored pencils to decorate the boards (optional)

materials needed for the experiment of your choice

To create the board, simply fold each side of the folder into the middle crease. This will create four individual panels. It should resemble what you would find for a large, three panel display board made of foam board.

Purpose of the Mini Science Boards

To demonstrate the scientific process to my students, we do a group investigation. My purpose is not for them to have a great scientific investigation, but to guide them through through the steps of the scientific process by creating a quality question, teaching them how to construct a hypothesis, having a conversation about how to collect data as well as how to analyze the results and write a conclusion. Once they are able to learn these skills, then they can go off on their own and develop fantastic science projects. The mini boards are just a fun way to display our information and allow each student to have a chance to create one of their own.

Pictures of our process.

Listing the parts of the scientific process on index cards.

Day two. Here is where students continue to make their observations and note the changes.

Students are recording their observations.

Listing the parts of the scientific process on index cards.

Our Investigation

The investigation that we did in our class was a simple on that involved just three days. This was a guided activity so we all participated in it together. I modeled the information and students recreated it on their own boards. Although I modeled this for my students, I did not "give" them the information. We came to a class consensus when creating our question and then each student created their own hypothesis, observations, results, and conclusions.

Question

What will happen to an egg if it covered in vinegar for three days?

Hypothesis

If we cover an egg with vinegar, then... This is where each student had an opportunity to individualize his or her hypothesis. We talked about what we thought would "make sense" in regards to our hypothesis. For example, I would not predict that it would sprout wings and begin to fly. That wouldn't be logical. So in this sense I guided the children to create a hypothesis that was relevant.

Materials

one uncooked egg

one plastic cup

vinegar to cover the egg

Procedure

Place an uncooked egg in a plastic cup.
Pour vinegar over the egg in the cup.
Record your observations.
Each day, for three days, record your observations.

Observations

This is where the information is again individualized. We labeled our boards, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3. Many students drew pictures in addition to writing out their observations. I require in fourth grade that they must have written observations but may add pictures to clarify their thinking.

Some observations from Day 2 included: "The shell is coming off." "It is soft." "It looks kind of yellow."

Results

Again this part was based on what each student observed individually. They each wrote their own conclusion, however I reminded them that this is a sort of summary of what they observed.

Conclusion

I remind my students that this is where they really put on their scientist hats. They are to now think about what they originally thought would happen and decide were they correct or not. This is where they analyze their hypothesis. I guide them to start with "My hypothesis was correct or incorrect because... and then allow them to give evidence of why it was correct or incorrect. We talk a lot in my classroom about proving your thinking in every area of our learning so this was not new to them. Simply stated, how do you know? What proof do you have that it was correct or incorrect.

My students had a great time creating these boards. I typically try to do this type of display two to three times a year. With each time, I let my students do a little more independently. By the time they are ready to produce an investigation for the Science Fair, they have a much greater understanding of how to create their investigation and display board.

Scientific Process in the Classroom

Additional Resources for Experiment Ideas

Although we know the wealth of information that the internet provides us, you can find a lot of great activities and experiments in books that are designed specifically for science projects and investigations. These selections are a great starting point for your next science adventure!

Fun With Science

I hope that these mini display boards help to inspire you and your students to have fun investigating science questions as well as allowing your students to better understand the scientific process. Of course we want learning to take place in science, but it must be fun too! If you decide to try this idea out, come back and share with me how your students or your own children enjoyed it!

Comments

cardelean (author) from Michigan on May 28, 2012:

I'm glad that you found the idea helpful sadie423 and I hope that you give it a try! Notebooks are an excellent tool to use as well. However, for the practice of the presentation, these folders work great. Thanks for your visit and comment!

sadie423 from North Carolina on May 25, 2012:

I agree the scientific method is important to learn at an early age, any science related activity we do here we go through this process. I never thought about using folders like that- it's a great idea. We use notebooks and lapbooks but this would be great for individual experiments.

cardelean (author) from Michigan on May 21, 2012:

So glad Ibrahim Vet, thanks!

cardelean (author) from Michigan on May 21, 2012:

Thank you so much for your kind words Eric. Teachers have a lot on their plates with all that is required these days but it is important for children to have hands on learning experiences. Yes, if you check out the video, the egg does become pickled but what the kids really enjoy is seeing it bounce. No one asked to taste it but I wouldn't have let them anyway! :)

cardelean (author) from Michigan on May 21, 2012:

Thanks livingpah2004. Glad you had a chance to read and comment.

cardelean (author) from Michigan on May 21, 2012:

Wow, I am overwhelmed by your enthusiasm Cyndi! :) I so appreciate your very kind words and visit.

cardelean (author) from Michigan on May 21, 2012:

Yes J.S., I don't think that method is going anywhere and the sooner our young people learn it, the better off they will be! Thanks so much for your visit and congrats, I appreciate it.

cardelean (author) from Michigan on May 21, 2012:

Awww, you are so sweet Marlene! The kids were very blown away as well. They really couldn't believe that it could bounce! Thanks for the congrats and visit.

cardelean (author) from Michigan on May 21, 2012:

I'm so glad that you found it useful vimier. I wish that you would have had something like this when you were working on your project as well. Hopefully it will be helpful to some other students who are working on this now. Thanks so much for stopping by.

cardelean (author) from Michigan on May 21, 2012:

Thanks so much for your visit and encouraging words urmilashukla23. I hope that my students feel the same way. :)

cardelean (author) from Michigan on May 21, 2012:

Thanks so much dbuddhika. I appreciate your kind comments and hope that my students feel the same way. :)