7th Grade Science Lesson: The Scientific
Method
Lesson Overview
Grade Level: 7
Duration: 50 minutes
Topic: Scientific Method – Steps, Application, and Practice
Standards: NGSS MS-ETS1-1; Montana Science Standards
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Identify and describe the steps of the scientific method.
2. Apply the scientific method to design and carry out a simple investigation.
3. Distinguish between independent, dependent, and controlled variables.
Vocabulary
Hypothesis
Independent Variable
Dependent Variable
Controlled Variables
Conclusion
Materials Needed
• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Printed Scientific Method Steps handout
• Plastic cups, water, food coloring, paper towels
• Rulers and timers
• Sticky notes for exit ticket
Lesson Sequence
1. Hook (5 min)
Ask: “If I told you I can make a paper towel absorb water faster just by changing the color of
the water, how would we test that?”
Let students guess.
Explain: Scientists ask questions, test them systematically, and analyze results.
2. Teach: Steps of the Scientific Method (10 min)
1. Ask a Question – Define the problem.
2. Research – Gather background information.
3. Form a Hypothesis – Make a prediction.
4. Experiment – Test the hypothesis.
5. Analyze Data – Look for patterns.
6. Draw a Conclusion – Accept or reject the hypothesis.
7. Communicate Results – Share findings.
Example:
Question: Does the color of water affect how fast a paper towel absorbs it?
Hypothesis: If the water is warm and colored, the towel will absorb it faster because heat
may increase absorption.
3. Guided Practice: Mini Experiment (15 min)
Independent Variable: Water color/temperature
Dependent Variable: Time taken to absorb 5 cm of water
Controls: Same brand of paper towel, same amount of water, same container
Procedure:
1. Groups pour water into cups (one with food coloring, one without).
2. Dip a strip of paper towel into each and time how long it takes for water to travel 5 cm.
3. Record results in a table.
4. Data Analysis & Conclusion (10 min)
Students calculate average absorption times.
Discuss: Did results match the hypothesis?
Talk about possible errors and improvements.
5. Exit Ticket (5 min)
On a sticky note, students answer:
1. What was our independent variable today?
2. Write your own question for an experiment using the scientific method.
Exit Ticket Rubric (3 Points)
3 Points – Correctly identifies variable AND writes a clear, testable question
2 Points – Identifies variable but question is unclear or incomplete
1 Point – Misidentifies variable or gives unrelated question
Optional Extension
Homework: Students design a simple home experiment following the scientific method.
Challenge: Have students identify variables in real-world studies they find online.
