Many of the great innovations of the last few decades came about through the application of the scientific method. GPS navigation, hybrid cars, advances in biomedicine and biomechanics. All of these have been possible through the methodology of observing, predicting, researching, testing, recording, analyzing… and then predicting and testing all over again based on the outcomes produced. At Oak Meadow, you will see students applying the scientific method all over the school, even with the youngest children.
Recently I sat with a group of Children’s House students who were using the scientific method to explore colors. They were first introduced to all of the materials needed for this scientific investigation: a graduated cylinder, beaker, Erlenmeyer flask, food coloring (red, blue, green, yellow, and purple), and water. Next the teacher asked, “What do you think will happen when two colors are mixed together?” The students conducted five different trials using different colors. Two colors were selected for the first trial, and the students were asked to brainstorm what they thought would happen when the colors were mixed. The students used a chart to record their data — the two colors mixed, their prediction, and the actual result. The students were deeply engaged, making predictions and discussing why the outcomes may have been different from what they had expected.
That is what all parents want for their child!