These tools can help you reinforce key concepts regarding the nature and process of science with your students:

1. The Science Flowchart for 3-5 provides a representation of how science really works, emphasizing that scientific inquiry is a dynamic process. You can use it to determine what aspects of the scientific process your existing lessons already incorporate, so that these can be made explicit. You may also want to download a copy of the simplified flowchart poster to hang in your room in order to underscore connections to the flowchart throughout the school year. See Introducing the Science Flowchart for ways to introduce the flowchart to your class.
2. Your Science Toolkit provides a set of questions that can help your students apply critical thinking skills, evaluate media messages about science, and improve their own decision-making. At grades four and five, you have the opportunity to lay the foundations for critically analyzing science-related claims. When considering such claims, students should be encouraged to ask how we know this and to consider sources and accuracy of information. Suggested activity for students: Observe a series of commercials or ads online. Have students apply appropriate questions from the toolkit. Discuss in class.