Educator Guide
Hands-on Science and STEM Investigations That Make Children Think
Use a question, a small fair comparison and a design improvement to make practical science more than a demonstration.
Science & STEM · Ages 6–12; provide adult modelling and suitable materials · 45-minute sample session
A useful investigation begins with a question children can actually explore using the available materials. Instead of “let’s make a plane”, try “what happens to its flight when we change one fold?” Separate a prediction from an observation and give the group time to repeat a trial.
Creative construction and scientific testing can sit together, but they serve different purposes. A fantastic invented machine does not have to be realistic; a claim that one design travels further needs a reasonably consistent comparison and a record of what happened.
Set up
Paper, clean card, tape, a ruler or marked distance strip, recording sheets and adult-approved test objects. Choose a clear low-level test area.
Teaching activities
Ask a testable question
Offer a familiar material and two possible changes. Ask children which question can be answered here today. Record what they expect and why. Keep questions small enough that the group can collect evidence, rather than promising to prove a large scientific claim.
Compare one feature at a time
Make two paper aircraft using the same starting paper and change one agreed fold. Use the same release point and launcher where practical. Repeat each trial and record distances. Discuss other influences, including launch strength, instead of claiming the fold explains every result.
Separate observations from explanations
For a shadow investigation, draw where the shadow appears and describe what changed when an object or torch moved. Keep an “I noticed” column and an “I think this happened because” column. Check explanations with an age-appropriate science source before presenting them as facts. Never look at the Sun or shine lights into eyes.
Improve a design using a result
Choose one successful feature of a paper bridge or wind-powered design. Change one feature, test again and compare with the first version. Treat a collapse or short flight as information about that model, not as a failure by its maker. Let the group keep an unanswered question.
A 45-minute session plan
- 5 minutes: Agree on a question and model safe use of the materials.
- 8 minutes: Make a prediction and prepare two comparable versions.
- 15 minutes: Run repeated trials and record observations.
- 10 minutes: Make one reasoned improvement and retest.
- 7 minutes: Share a result, a limitation and a next question.
Printables to use
Choose the resource that supports your purpose, preview its instructions and select the available paper size. One well-used sheet is enough for a short session.
- Paper aircraft test – Forces and Flight Major Activity — Use its aircraft investigation as a controlled-comparison starting point.
- Paper Bridge Challenge — Record and improve a paper structure using the sheet instructions.
- Torch investigation – Light and Shadow Major Activity — Explore light and shadow with clear handling boundaries.
- Cloud observation – Weather Watchers Major Activity — Practise dated observation without making unsupported weather predictions.
Adapt for the group
Younger learners can compare two pictures or dictate an observation. Older learners can repeat more trials or discuss variation without claiming statistical certainty. Offer designer, tester, recorder and seated observer roles. Adults select materials and manage any practical hazards under local procedures.
Notice and reflect
Look for a question that became more precise, a fairer comparison or an improvement linked to evidence. Record what was observed separately from an explanation that still needs checking.
Research and further reading
CSIRO’s educator guidance discusses combining explicit teaching with inquiry. The session below models a procedure first, then gives children a manageable question and an opportunity to investigate.
Source information checked 15 October 2026. The teaching activities and sample plans are original suggestions from After School Care Printables; source links do not imply endorsement. Check current local curriculum and service requirements when planning.