Designing Solutions to Problems (Part 3)

What You'll Learn

The scientific method is a systematic approach to investigating questions. It involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

Key Words

measure
record
hypothesis

Materials Needed

string
cups
aluminum foil
ruler

Safety First

Use materials only as directed in the experiment.
Keep small objects away from young children.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Read about Engineering and Design and write down three key facts.

Step 2 — Do

Create a solar oven from a pizza box lined with foil. Measure the temperature inside on a sunny day. Try melting chocolate or cheese.

Step 3 — Observe

Note any unexpected results and think about why they happened.

Step 4 — Record

Share your findings with the class or a partner and discuss what you learned.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What is a scientific model?