What you need to know: The Scientific Method Students Practice in School is the Same Scientific Method Scientists Perform
The education sector is the main training ground for shaping curious young minds into future scientists, creatives and critical thinkers. It is at the basic education level that the foundations of scientific inquiry (research) are instilled in the youth through laboratory experiments. These experiments not only enhance learning but also introduce students to the Scientific Method—a systematic approach to problem-solving, the main foundation of scientific research.
In this article, we will relate each step of the scientific method to school laboratory experiments and scientific research.
Step 1: Observation and Question. School laboratory experiments are designed to begin with observation. Students are made to observe natural phenomena, encounter a problem, or have questions about a designated topic. For example, a student might wonder, "What happens when plants receive different amounts of sunlight?"
Exposing students to situations where they have to observe foster their curiosity – an essential characteristic that scientists, engineers and innovators have in common. Observation and curiosity are key ingredients for students’ ability to formulate questions and identify a problem. Ultimately, problem identification is the first step in scientific research.
Step 2: Hypothesis. Once students have identified a question, they proceed to formulate a hypothesis—a reasonable explanation for the observed phenomenon, which can be tested by performing experiments. In our plant experiment example, a student's hypothesis might be, "Plants exposed to more sunlight will grow taller than those in the shade." Formulating hypotheses is a critical step in scientific research and all technology development programs that scientists, engineers and inventors conduct.
Step 3: Experimentation and Data Collection. The heart of laboratory experiments lies in experimentation and data collection. Students design and conduct experiments to test if the hypotheses they proposed are true or not. In the plant experiment, they might place identical plants in different light conditions, carefully measuring their growth over time. Experimentation is also students’ first exposure to controlling conditions (we commonly call variables) and precise data recording.
If students develop the skills of designing experiments and collecting and recording data properly, they will be prepared for careers in research and development, engineering and technology development. These careers require experimentation and data collection on a daily basis.
Step 4: Analysis. After collecting data from the experiments, students analyze the results to draw meaningful conclusions and confirm if the hypothesis they formulated is valid or not. In our plant experiment, they would compare the growth of plants exposed to varying levels of sunlight.
Data analysis teaches students to interpret data objectively and draw evidence-based conclusions. We teach the students to let the data answer questions. By training students in data analysis, they get equipped with an essential skill for careers in research and development. Again, these are activities that researchers and scientists perform on a daily basis - performing experiments and collecting data to confirm their hypotheses.
Step 5: Conclusion. The conclusion is where students answer their initial question based on the evidence gathered during the experiment. The data-based conclusion may prove or disprove their hypotheses. In our example, students might conclude whether their hypothesis was supported or refuted. This step reinforces critical thinking, the need to relate data to fundamental science concepts, and students’ ability to articulate findings. Similarly, drawing conclusions based on experimental data are activities that STEM professionals perform regularly.
Step 6: Communication. Any scientific undertaking, whether it be a classroom experiment or a full-blown scientific research project, does not end when conclusions are drawn. All scientific knowledge achieve their true meaning when shared. Students communicate their experiment's findings through reports, presentations, or discussions. This step fosters effective communication skills and enables students to convey complex scientific concepts to their peers and teachers. Now, do you still wonder why scientists publish scientific reports and present their work in conferences?
By integrating the scientific method into laboratory experiments, students not only learn about specific scientific concepts but also develop essential skills that will prepare them for future careers in scientific inquiry (research) and technology development. Specifically:
Critical Thinking. Students learn to question, analyze, and evaluate information critically. They understand the importance of evidence-based reasoning. They learn to think objectively.
Problem-Solving. Laboratory experiments teach students how to approach problems methodically, breaking them down into steps that they can perform.
Attention to Detail. Precise data collection and recording instill the value of attention to detail or the ability to observe intently and capture information — a fundamental skill in scientific research.
Collaboration. Most experiments involve teamwork, promoting collaborative skills essential in scientific research settings. Some of the most successful research and technology development organizations in the world have the most collaborative teams of experts. It is very important that we teach students how to be a great team player in school to set them up for success.
Curiosity. Laboratory experiments nurture students' natural curiosity, encouraging them to explore the world, identify gaps, formulate questions and seek answers to their questions by performing experiments.
With this article, we hope that you find a new sense of appreciation of school laboratory experiments! They are not just a way to introduce the scientific method but also a gateway for scientific research. These young minds, when armed with these foundational skills, may one day become the scientists and researchers who make groundbreaking discoveries and invent world-changing technologies.
