Scientists test materials to find out their properties. To find out which objects float, put each one gently in a tub of water and watch. To find out which are magnetic, hold a magnet close to each object. Write each result in a table with two columns: the object and what happened.
Before testing, make a prediction: say what you think will happen and why. Afterwards, compare your results with your prediction. It is fine to be wrong; that is how scientists learn. Then sort the objects into groups using the results.
Worked example
Ellie predicts that all metal things are magnetic. She tests a steel spoon and a copper coin. What might she find?
- The steel spoon sticks to the magnet.
- The copper coin does not.
Answer:So not all metals are magnetic: her prediction was only partly right.
Key words
- test
- try something out to find an answer
- prediction
- what you think will happen
- result
- what actually happened
- table
- rows and columns to record results
New questions every time.
NGSS-referenced: 2-PS1-1