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Using ZOOMsci ActivitiesZOOM into Science home | Finding ZOOMsci | Using ZOOMsciStarting with any ZOOMsci activity, you can create a learning experience where kids get to do the things that scientists do — observe, ask questions, make predictions, test ideas, collect data, change one variable, and share results. 1. Preparation 2. Warm Up 3. Try It Out 4. Change One Variable 5. Share Results 6. Send it to ZOOM! 7. Keep ZOOMing  1. PreparationGet ready by reviewing the activity. Every ZOOMsci activity includes:
Look over the materials and think about how many kids you'll be working with. ZOOM activities generally use household items, but it may take you some time to collect enough materials for a large group. Print out the activity and try it yourself -- that way you'll know what to expect when the kids try it. Tip: When printing ZOOMsci activities, look at the bottom of the page for a link to the "text-only version." This gives you a clean, graphic-free page that prints quickly. back to top  2. Warm UpBefore you start the activity, ask your kids what they know about the topic being investigated. Then have them explore the materials to get a sense of how they work. For example, if you're making a film canister rocket that's powered by baking soda and vinegar, ask kids what they know about rockets. Then talk about what happens when baking soda and vinegar are mixed together. Have kids explore the materials by putting a teaspoon of baking soda into a plastic bag, adding some vinegar, and sealing the bag. Ask them to describe what they observed and why they think it happened. back to top  3. Try It OutGet your kids in the ZOOM mindset by introducing the activity sent in by their peers. Talk to your kids about the activity. Ask them what they think will happen. (This is making a prediction.) Ask: How would you design your rocket? What do you think will happen once the baking soda and vinegar "fuel" is added? How would you test it? Hand out the materials and let the kids do the activity. You can guide them by providing printouts of the activity or by talking them through it. Ask them what they notice. (This is observation.) Why do they think it's working (or not!)? Have them write down their observations. (This is collecting data.) As you watch, ask the kids questions that will help them explain why they are doing what they're doing, and why they think certain things are happening. If they are having difficulty, ask them questions to help them notice things about their experiment and to help them think of new ways to solve the problem. Let your kids know that it's okay if their results are different from their predictions. They'll often learn more from wrong turns than from a perfect result. Ask: How high did your rocket go? How long did it take for your rocket to launch? Why do you think your rocket works? If it's not working, what could you do differently? How do your results compare to your prediction? back to top  4. Change One VariableNow have the kids experiment by changing one thing and testing that change. The thing they change is called a variable. The key is to change only one variable at a time. That way they can tell which variable affects the test. Before kids test the effects of changing the variable, they should predict what they think will happen and why. Then they can test it and write down the results. (Note: You may need extra materials so kids can test different variables.) Some variables for film canister rocket:
back to top  5. Share ResultsAfter kids complete their tests, bring them together to share results. Encourage them to talk about what they observed, what surprised them, and why they think they were successful or had difficulty. Help them draw conclusions from the data they collected. Communicating clearly about process and results is a key skill for budding scientists. Finish by talking about some real-world applications of their activity. Ask: How did changing the amount of baking soda affect the launch? What other changes did you test? What did you think would happen and what actually happened? Did you notice any patterns in your data? What new questions do you have? How could you find out more about these questions? back to top  6. Send it to ZOOM!ZOOM wants to hear from your kids about their experiences and their new ideas. Kids can email ZOOM via Send it to ZOOM forms. They can also write to: ZOOM, Box 350, Boston, MA 02134. Kids who write and send it via snail mail will receive a copy of ZOOMerang®, a booklet of do-at-home activities. Kids who email can download a ZOOMerang. back to top  7. Keep ZOOMingIf kids liked the activity, look in the ZOOMsci section of the site for related ZOOMsci activities to try. The chart below shows sample activities with ideas of variables that can be changed, questions you can ask to help your kids analyze their results, and related ZOOMsci activities to build on your kids' interest. Remember the chart below includes only five ZOOMsci activities; the ZOOMsci home page has more than 100 to choose from! back to top
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not yet implemented