Grade: Grade 1 Subject: Science Unit: Simple Experiments SAT: ProblemSolving+DataAnalysis ACT: Science

Investigation Lab

Learn

Scientists do investigations to find answers to their questions. An investigation is like a treasure hunt for information!

What Is an Investigation?

An investigation is when you:

  • Ask a question about something you want to know
  • Make a plan to find the answer
  • Try your plan and watch what happens
  • Think about what you learned

Setting Up Your Investigation

Before you start, you need to get ready:

  1. Gather your materials - Get everything you need before you begin
  2. Find a safe space - Make sure you have room to work
  3. Know your question - Remember what you want to find out
  4. Be ready to watch - Your eyes are your best tools!

Safety Rules

Scientists always stay safe! Remember these rules:

  • Always ask a grown-up before starting
  • Never put things in your mouth
  • Wash your hands when you are done
  • Clean up your workspace

Examples

Example 1: The Floating Raisin Investigation

Question: Can raisins float in soda water?

Materials: Clear cup, soda water, raisins

Steps:

  1. Pour soda water into the cup
  2. Drop 3 raisins into the water
  3. Watch what happens for 2 minutes

What we saw: The raisins sank, then floated up, then sank again! The bubbles stuck to the raisins and made them float.

Example 2: The Shadow Investigation

Question: Does a shadow change during the day?

Materials: A stick, chalk, sunny day

Steps:

  1. Put a stick in the ground
  2. Draw the shadow with chalk in the morning
  3. Draw the shadow again at lunch
  4. Draw the shadow one more time in the afternoon

What we saw: The shadow moved! It was long in the morning, short at lunch, and long again in the afternoon.

Practice

Answer these questions about investigations.

1. What is an investigation?

A) A way to play games

B) A way to find answers to questions

C) A way to draw pictures

D) A way to take a nap

2. What should you do FIRST before starting an investigation?

A) Run around the room

B) Gather your materials

C) Tell a joke

D) Close your eyes

3. Why do scientists wash their hands after an investigation?

A) To paint a picture

B) To stay safe and clean

C) To get wet

D) To waste time

4. In the raisin investigation, why did the raisins float up?

A) They were magic

B) Bubbles stuck to them

C) Someone pushed them

D) The cup was broken

5. What happened to the shadow during the day?

A) It stayed the same

B) It disappeared

C) It moved and changed size

D) It turned blue

6. What is the BEST tool to use when watching an investigation?

A) Your ears

B) Your feet

C) Your eyes

D) Your elbows

7. Emma wants to see if ice melts faster in the sun or shade. What should she do FIRST?

A) Eat the ice

B) Gather her materials (ice cubes, two cups)

C) Go to sleep

D) Draw a cat

8. Why is it important to ask a grown-up before doing an investigation?

A) Grown-ups like to be bothered

B) To stay safe

C) Because it is boring

D) To make them laugh

9. Put these steps in order. What comes SECOND?

Steps: Make a plan, Ask a question, Watch what happens, Think about what you learned

A) Ask a question

B) Make a plan

C) Watch what happens

D) Think about what you learned

10. Leo did an investigation about plants. He forgot to clean up his workspace. What should Leo do?

A) Leave it messy

B) Go clean up his workspace

C) Hide the mess

D) Blame someone else

Check Your Understanding

Think about these questions:

  • Can you name the steps of an investigation?
  • Why is it important to gather materials before you start?
  • What safety rules do you remember?
  • What question would YOU like to investigate?

Next Steps

  • Try the shadow investigation at home or school
  • Think of your own question to investigate
  • In the next lesson, you will learn how to record what you see using data and graphs!