Scientific Method and Problem Based Learning

Using Problem Solving Techniques for Answering Science Mysteries

Aug 22, 2008
David R. Wetzel

Western Chorus Frog - Herpetology Net

Solving science problems and mysteries provided students with real world applications of the inquiry based learning. They learn to investigate the same way as scientists.

Problem based learning is the best way for students to learn how to conduct real life science investigations. They apply many strategies they learned in science classes, such as: asking questions, designing experiments, and developing a hypothesis based on prior research. Also, students follow the scientific method, or a variation, as they conduct their investigation.

When using the scientific method in combination with problem based learning, students develop a better understanding of experimental investigations. The best types of investigations for this strategy are science mysteries. Students use critical thinking skills as they design and conduct an investigation to solve a mystery.

Scientific Method and Inquiry

The scientific method has a set of rigid steps students follow as they begin an investigation. These steps are:

Asking Questions
Looking at Prior at Research
Constructing a Hypothesis
Conducting the Experiment
Analyzing Data
Reporting Findings

Inquiry based learning differs from the scientific method, because students do not need to start with asking questions. They can jump into the scientific method anywhere to begin their research.

Problem Based Learning and Inquiry

Problem based learning (PBL) is based on students provided a scenario surrounding a problem and follows the scientific method closely. The PBL steps are:

Analyze Problem Scenario
List what is Known about the Problem
Develop a Problem Statement
List what is Needed to Solve the Problem
List Possible Actions Necessary to Solve the Problem
Analyze Information Collected about the Problem
Report Findings

Inquiry based learning allows students to jump in anywhere in PBL, just like in the scientific method.

Solving a Science Mystery

Here is a brief sample science mystery which involves the use of PBL, scientific method, and inquiry.

Less Croaking in the School’s Nature Pond

The numbers of frogs in the school’s pond, set up to study pond life, are decreasing suddenly. The students are asked by the principal to investigate what is happening to the frogs. Rumors of what is happening to the frogs are flying around the school.

Some say bats are eating the frogs.
Others say someone is dumping chemicals into the water.
Still others say snakes are eating the frogs.
Another strong rumor is the water is becoming polluted.

Students now need to find out what is already known about the frogs in the pond to begin their investigation.

They find out the number of frogs in pond has decreased from 25 to 16 in just two weeks.
The students also discover the grass surrounding the pond was sprayed to control weeds about two weeks ago.
The other animals and fish in the pond are doing fine, their numbers have not changed.
The last test of the water's condition was made one month ago and everything was normal.

Students use websites, such as exploratorium.edu/frogs to find out more information about frogs.

Students now develop a problem statement or hypothesis. Followed by designing an investigation to determine what is happening to the frogs.

Next the students conduct their investigation, analyze the findings, and report their findings to the principal.

Although additional detail is required to conduct this science mystery, the scientific method and PBL are interwoven in the students’ investigation process. Also, inquiry-based learning is evidenced by students using critical thinking minds-on approach to the investigation.

An additional problem-based learning activity is Exploring the Earth for Petroleum.