Best 7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

I always felt like such a bad teacher when I would pull out the textbook or more boring worksheets for my class to complete.

So… I designed, trialled, re-designed, trialled, and re-designed my own 7th grade scientific method worksheets until I had some that I was both proud to hand out and that my students actually enjoyed completing!

In this blog post, you will be introduced a range of engaging 7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities to help students learn and consolidate understanding of the scientific method.

7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

Why teach the scientific method in 7th grade?

So, why do we teach the scientific method to seventh graders? Well, let’s break it down. Picture yourself back in seventh grade – awkward, curious, and trying to make sense of the world. That’s where the scientific method swoops in like a superhero to save the day!

First off, the scientific method isn’t just some boring formula scientists use; it’s a mindset, a way of thinking. It’s about asking questions, making observations, and testing ideas to find answers. And trust me, in the chaos of adolescence, having a structured approach to figuring things out is like having a secret weapon.

Seventh grade is this magical time when kids start to really question things. Like, why is the sky blue? How do plants grow? Why do cats always land on their feet? Teaching the scientific method at this age gives them the tools to investigate these mysteries on their own. It’s empowering, you know?

Plus, let’s not forget about critical thinking. In today’s world, where information comes at us faster than ever, being able to sift through the noise and separate fact from fiction is crucial. The scientific method teaches kids to be skeptical, to ask for evidence, and to draw their own conclusions based on data – skills that’ll serve them well for life, not just in science class.

And let’s not overlook the hands-on aspect. Seventh graders are all about getting their hands dirty (literally sometimes), so why not let them dive into experiments and see science in action? Whether it’s mixing chemicals in a lab or planting seeds in the garden, the scientific method makes learning tangible and, dare I say, fun.

7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

What needs to be taught for the scientific method in 7th grade?

7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

In seventh grade, introducing the scientific method involves focusing on its core components in a way that’s engaging and accessible to students. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects that should be taught:

1. Observation: Teach students how to keenly observe the world around them. Encourage them to use their senses to gather information and notice patterns or anomalies. Simple exercises like observing the behavior of animals or changes in weather can kickstart their observation skills.

2. Questioning: Foster a culture of curiosity by encouraging students to ask questions about what they observe. Teach them how to formulate clear and testable questions that can be investigated scientifically. For instance, why does a candle flame flicker? How does the amount of sunlight affect plant growth?

3. Hypothesis: Help students understand the concept of a hypothesis – a tentative explanation or prediction based on observations and prior knowledge. Show them how to make educated guesses about the outcomes of their investigations. Encourage them to use “if…then” statements to articulate their hypotheses.

4. Experimentation: Introduce the idea of designing experiments to test hypotheses. Teach students how to identify variables (independent, dependent, and controlled), how to include a control group, and how to set up fair tests to collect data. Hands-on activities and simple experiments can bring this aspect to life, allowing students to see the scientific method in action.

5. Data Collection and Data Analysis: Guide students in collecting data using appropriate tools and methods. Teach them how to record their observations systematically and accurately. In particular, it is important that students know how to graph results in an appropriate style of graph for the data collected. Show them how to organize data in tables or charts and analyze patterns to draw conclusions.

6. Conclusion: Emphasize the importance of drawing conclusions based on evidence gathered during experimentation. Encourage students to reflect on their findings and assess whether they support or refute their hypotheses. Teach them to communicate their conclusions clearly and objectively.

7. Iteration: Highlight that science is an ongoing process of inquiry and discovery. Teach students that it’s okay if their hypotheses are not supported by initial experiments – that’s how science works! Encourage them to revise their hypotheses and design new experiments to further investigate their questions.

7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

Check out these awesome 7th grade scientific method worksheets that incorporate fun scenarios, colorful clipart and challenging activities to keep students engaged.

7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

7th grade scientific method worksheets 

​

1. Scientific method booklet (teacher & student) – This is a great way to structure your lessons and work your way through the scientific method.

2. Scientific variables worksheet (dragon themed) – students often have trouble identifying the different types of variables. This is a fun way for students to practice this skill.

3. Scientific variables worksheet (valentine’s day themed) – this worksheet has 10 fun valentines day scenarios for students to identify the dependent, independent and controlled variables.

4. Scientific variables worksheet (halloween themed) – practice identifying variables with these spooky scenarios!

5. Scientific method color by number – this is an easy activity to print and give your students for review or to have as an early finisher activity.

6. Scientific method crossword – this is another easy activity to print and give your students for review or to have as an early finisher activity.

7. FREE scientific method posters – Free printable posters to put up around your room!

​7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

7th grade scientific method activities 

8. Scientific method escape room – review key terms and skills for the scientific method with an escape room!

9. Scientific method 2-player racing game – get your students’ competitive nature going with this two player racing game!

10. Lab safety escape room – a key component of the scientific method, and being able to carry out their own experiments, is that they can work in the lab safely. Make it fun with this escape room!

11. Graphing skills escape room – review key skills for graphing in science with an escape room!

12. Following instructions rainbow lab – this is a great way to introduce the scientific method and the importance of following instructions and measuring accurately.

​13.Scientific Method Bundle –grab a heap of the scientific method resources with a huge discount in this bundle!

Note: ​the above resources are suitable for 6th grade, 7th grade and 8th grade.

7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

Conclusion

 Knowledge of the scientific method is crucial for students to be able to conduct their own scientific investigations in order to answer a scientific question.

These 7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities are a far stretch from the normal, boring classroom resources.

Using these types of activities also play a part in helping students develop understanding of the real world applications of the scientific method. 

7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

Note: Always consult your school’s specific safety guidelines and policies, and seek guidance from experienced colleagues or administrators when in doubt about safety protocols.

About the Author

Station activities for middle school