Scientists learn about the world by using special steps called science process skills. You already use these skills every day at home, in the playground and at school. They help you find out how things work.
Skills we use most
- Observing — using your five senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch) to notice things.
- Classifying — putting things into groups by their common features.
- Measuring — using tools and units to find size, length, mass or temperature.
- Making inferences — giving a smart reason for what you observe.
- Predicting — using clues to guess what will happen next.
- Communicating — sharing what you found so others understand.
Key idea
Observing uses your senses. Inferring explains what you observed. Predicting says what may happen next. These three are not the same!
Everyday example
Good scientists choose the right tool for the job. A ruler measures length, a thermometer measures temperature, and a stopwatch measures time.
Example
You see the grass is wet in the morning (observe). You infer that it rained last night. You predict the grass will dry when the Sun comes out.
Remember
- Always use the correct unit, such as centimetres for length.
- Share your results clearly, using tables or drawings, so friends understand.