Science for Kids - How to Collect Data in an Experiment

Collection of data in any experiment is crucial for accuracy and precision of a science project. More importantly, when data in experiments are properly collected, the information gathered provides the scientist of the science project validity and credibility. These are valuable skills for any scientist to be successful in any field. When science students are collecting data for a science project, they should be aware of these basics steps: precision, accuracy, validity and reliability.

Precision data is repeatability

In many instances, science students working on their school science projects need to repeat their experiments. This is to provide justification to previous experiments. But it also explains that the data gathered is precise. The more precise the collection of data is the more accurate the result. Perhaps, science students need to repeat an experiment to verify an unsuccessful or an incomplete result. Other times, experiments do not perform to standards. In other cases, experiments are incomplete due to lack of materials or time. Hence, the more repeats in an experiment the better the results.

Accurate data is correct information

The accuracy of the data gathered by science students means how close that result is in regards to the true value. In statistic terms, a true value is data that closely approaches the correct record. In this way, the more precise a measurement is in a particular instrument, the more accurate that value is to the experiment. Therefore, many instruments must be calibrated according to standards to provide accurate results. When an instrument is not calibrated, the measurements from that instrument lack validity. Calibration is the act of standardizing an instrument based on its specific graduations. For instance, a weighing balance in a grocery store is calibrated with weights to provide the most accurate weight in pounds. Thus, calibration of an instrument is a vital part of the accuracy and precision of a result.

Valid data is true scientific content

When science students provide true data, it also provides legitimacy to their science projects. As a matter of fact, without validity in science projects, they appear unreliable. For other scientists, when validity is compromised in some experiments or science projects, it sends a negative signal that they were not serious about their project. In science, experiments may not provide the results that they may predict. But a negative data in a science experiment can also mean a good result. It can prove or disapprove the hypothesis. It can provide additional information to other scientific experiments. It can establish the opportunity to further analysis of the data. Therefore, a valid science experiment not only provides valid results but it also provides an honest science student.

Reliable data is trustworthy evidence

If science students approach their science projects with validity, their data becomes more reliable. When experiments are conducted with conviction in performing the best and most accurate data, then they can be confident about their science projects. Reliable results establish the foundation for a legitimate reputation for science students. But it also establishes that the information gathered by science students is reliable, valid, accurate, and precise. In fact, science students who do not omit any steps in their science experiments to obtain results understand that science is a learning process.

Science for Kids - How to Teach Kids About Science

Science education is a gradual process, and early childhood is a perfect time to begin learning science. Many parents are uncomfortable with math and science themselves, so they avoid these subjects with their kids. But don't let your own fears stop you. Teaching science to your kids doesn't have to be hard. And it can actually be fun for both of you.

Children learn best through practical, hands-on activities. You can use everyday tasks and simple projects to help your kids develop a love for science. Give them lots of opportunities to experience science in a relaxed way, through games and fun activities.

Don't expect very young children to understand and grasp difficult or abstract concepts. Focus science lessons on things kids can touch, taste, hear, see and smell. Their natural curiosity will drive them to want to learn more.

Kids love to discover new and interesting facts about the world around them. They like to ask questions about how things work. Asking questions helps them make connections between things that they have experienced in practice. You may get tired of all those questions, but try to be patient.

You should encourage these questions, even if you don't know the answers yourself. In those situations, you should not invent an explanation. Tell them "Let's find out together" and it can lead to some wonderful quality time spent with your child. Search online for answers, or take a trip to the local library. And if you don't find a satisfying answer to a particular question, then be honest about that, too. It's OK to let kids know that scientists don't know everything about how the world works, and that there are some scientific questions that still need to be answered.

When you get tired of answering questions, turn it around and ask your child some simple questions. Then, encourage their creativity by giving them an opportunity to discover the answers themselves. Asking questions also gives you a better idea about their knowledge of a topic.

How can you use everyday tasks and activities to teach kids science? Here are a few examples:

The kitchen and cooking provide many wonderful opportunities. Talk about solids, liquids and gases using water as an example. Explain freezing and boiling points. While cooking, show them how to follow a recipe and make accurate measurements. Demonstrate how yeast causes bread to rise, and the many ways cooking changes food.

Turn a light on, and explain how light bulbs work, what electricity is and how it gets to your house. While dusting and vacuuming, explain where the dust comes from. Water the plants, and explain why plants need water and light to live, and how they make oxygen for us to breathe. At the gas station, talk about how cars work and where the gas comes from.

Toys are great tools to teach kids about science. You can buy simple science toys and kits, or create your own easy science projects. Make a vinegar-baking soda "volcano." Drop a mentos candy in a diet cola. Make paper airplanes. Design a balloon "hovercraft." When toys break, let your kids open them up (under your supervision) to find out what's inside and how those toys work.

A field trip provides an excellent opportunity for science learning. Take children to a park, zoo, lake, seashore or some other place in nature. Let them get dirty, touching and exploring the environment. Point out different plants and animals, natural features of the land, cloud formations, stars and the moon, etc. Take them to one of the many wonderful hands-on science museums. Go to the library and let them browse through the children's science section for books that interest them.

There are countless teachable opportunities every day. Remember, it's OK if you don't know the answers now. Just plan ahead, and take a few minutes to look it up.

Science education is very important for kids and has many benefits. They will expand their curiosity, develop a love for learning, and exercise critical thinking skills. And they will be ready for the many challenges ahead.