Making A Hypothesis

Information for the Teacher

After you have introduced the project, lead the students in developing their own hypothesis(es). At the end of the project, when the students have analyzed the data sent in by the other participants, they will revisit this hypothesis and decide whether or not the information supports or does not support their hypothesis(es). Depending on the age and ability of the students, you may choose to have them develop a hypothesis as a whole class activity, as teams, or as individuals.

Guidelines for Students

  • Formulate or state the question.
  • Identify prior knowledge that is related to the question. 
  • Predict what you think the answer to your question might be.
  • State the hypothesis.
  • Test the hypothesis (do an experiment or activity). 
  • Collect data.
  • Study the data: Look at the postings of other classes. Think about what their information means.
  • Make conclusions; decide if your hypothesis is correct. What did you learn?

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