Think About What you Already Know micro-lesson

Natalie Dixon

The Scientific Process – Before The Experiment

Science

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Learning time

Kids learn by watching short, engaging video lessons.

The first stage of the scientific process is to think about what you already know. This is important as it can get us thinking about different aspects of the world around us and spark ideas. Usually, we will have a topic in mind such as one we are covering at school. It can be helpful to write down everything we know about that topic. Perhaps using a mind map. Here is an example of everything I know about what plants need to grow. I already know a lot so as a scientist, I can rule out lots of experiments. For example, I do not need to do an experiment to find out if plants need water to grow because I already know they do. By thinking about what we do know, we start to think about what we don't know. This can cause us to ask questions and come up with ideas for experiments, the next stage of the scientific process.

Answer time

Kids earn more screen time by answering fun educational questions.

Here are some example of questions about this video that kids may be asked in the 1Question app to earn screen time.

A mind map can help us...

1) rule out experiments we already know the answer to.

2) make sure we do experiments we already know the answer to.

3) find what part of our brain we will use to do the experiment.

4) it does not help us.
What can we use a mind map for during the scientific process?

1) To write down what we already know.

2) To find the equipment for our experiment.

3) To find the location of our experiment.

4) So we have a map of what our brain looks like.
Which of these might be a good reason why a scientist would not to do an experiment?

1) They already know what will happen so they are not learning anything new.

2) They don't know what will happen so the results might surprise them.

3) No one else has done that experiment before.

4) It involves growing plants.
Which of these steps are you most likely to do first when doing an experiment?

1) Think about what you already know.

2) Make conclusion.

3) Share methods.

4) Share your work.
Why is it important to think about what we already know at the start of the scientific process?

1) It can get us thinking about the world around us and spark ideas.

2) So we can write a complete lab report.

3) To make sure we know everything for our exams.

4) It is not important.

Recreational screen time

Kids can use the screen time minutes they earned to unlock the apps selected by their parent e.g. games, social media, streaming, etc.

Out of time

When screen time minutes run out, kids are locked out and need to complete more learning in 1Question to earn more time.

Meet your educator

Our micro-courses are developed and delivered by qualified educators from around the world.

Natalie Dixon

I qualified to be a teacher in London (UK) in 2013 and have since taught in England and at an international school in the Caribbean. I love helping students to master new skills

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