The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a step-by-step way that scientists use to ask questions, find
answers, and solve problems. It helps them understand how things work in the world.
Let’s go through each step with an example to make it easier to understand.
1. Observation
This is the first step. Scientists use their five senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, touching,
and sometimes tasting—to notice something interesting.
Example: You see that a plant near the window is growing faster than the one in the
corner of the room.
🔍 Observation: The plant with more sunlight grows faster.
2. Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a smart guess or prediction. After making an observation, scientists think
of a possible explanation. It must be something you can test.
Example: You think, “Maybe the plant near the window is growing faster because it gets
more sunlight.”
💡 Hypothesis: If a plant gets more sunlight, then it will grow faster.
3. Experiment
Now the scientist tests the hypothesis by doing an experiment. The experiment must be
fair and should test only one thing at a time.
Example: You place two plants:
• One near the window (lots of sunlight)
• One in a darker corner (less sunlight)
You water both the same and use the same type of plant and soil.
📋 This way, only sunlight is different.
4. Collect Data
During the experiment, scientists write down information or measure what happens. This
information is called data.
Example: You measure the height of both plants every 3 days.
Plant near the window grows 2 cm per week.
Plant in the corner grows only 1 cm per week.
5. Conclusion
After collecting and studying the data, scientists make a conclusion. This tells whether
the hypothesis was correct or not.
Example: You find that the plant near the window really did grow faster.
Conclusion: More sunlight helps plants grow better. Your hypothesis was correct.
🔁 Can the Scientific Method Be Repeated?
Yes! If the conclusion is not clear or if the hypothesis was wrong, scientists can repeat
the experiment, change the conditions, or make a new hypothesis.
🌱 Another Simple Example:
Problem:
Why did the ice melt faster on a metal plate than on a plastic plate?
• Observation: Ice melts faster on metal than on plastic.
• Hypothesis: Metal makes ice melt faster because it conducts heat better.
• Experiment: Place the same size ice cubes on a metal plate and plastic plate
and observe.
• Collect Data: Measure time it takes for each to melt.
• Conclusion: Ice melts faster on metal because it absorbs and transfers heat
quickly.

🧪 Scientific Method Quiz

Directions:
A. Identification (1–10): Write the correct answer.
B. True or False (11–20): Write True if the statement is correct, and False if not.
A. IDENTIFICATION (1–10)
Write the correct word for each question.
1. ___________ The first step in the scientific method.
2. ___________ A smart guess that can be tested.
3. ___________ A step where we test the hypothesis.
4. ___________ The information we collect during an experiment.
5. ___________ The last step where we explain what we learned.
6. ___________ A tool used to measure temperature.
7. ___________ A tool used to measure time.
8. ___________ The five things we use to observe (eyes, ears, nose, etc.) are
called _____.
9. ___________ A tool used to measure length.
10. ___________ The step where we look closely using our senses.

B. TRUE OR FALSE (11–20)

11. ______ Observation comes after conclusion.
12. ______ A hypothesis is a wild guess with no reason.
13. ______ We can use our eyes and ears to observe.
14. ______ An experiment tests if the hypothesis is correct.
15. ______ Data is collected after the experiment.
16. ______ Scientists use the scientific method to answer questions.
17. ______ We should test many things at the same time in an experiment.
18. ______ A conclusion tells us what we learned.
19. ______ Plants grow better without sunlight.
20. ______ The scientific method helps us understand how things work.

Living and Nonliving Things

Everything we see around us can be grouped into two categories:

1. Living Things
Living things are things that are alive. They have certain characteristics that help us
know they are living. These include:
✅ They grow
✅ They move
✅ They eat or need food
✅ They breathe
✅ They can reproduce (have babies or new plants)
✅ They respond to their surroundings
📌 Examples of Living Things:
• Humans – We grow taller, eat food, breathe air, and can have children.
• Dogs – They run, bark, eat dog food, and can have puppies.
• Trees – They grow from seeds, take in water and sunlight, and make new
seeds.
📌 Other Examples:
• Birds, fish, insects, flowers, grass, mushrooms (yes, fungi are living!).
2. Nonliving Things
Nonliving things are things that are not alive. They do not grow, do not eat, do not
breathe, and cannot have babies.
Some nonliving things were never alive (like water, air, rocks), and some used to be alive
but are no longer living (like wooden furniture made from trees, or paper made from
plants).
📌 Examples of Nonliving Things:
• Water – It flows and can change form (ice, steam), but it doesn’t grow or
breathe.
• Rocks – Hard objects found on the ground. They don’t move on their own.
• Books – Made of paper, used for reading, but they don’t grow or feel.
• Tables and chairs – Often made from wood but cannot grow or change unless
someone changes them.
Organisms and Habitats
A living thing is also called an organism. Every organism needs a place to live that gives
it food, water, and shelter. This place is called a habitat.
📌 Examples of Organisms and Their Habitats:
• A fish lives in water (pond, river, sea) — its habitat is aquatic.
• A lion lives in the grasslands or savanna — its habitat is land.
 • A bird lives in trees or nests — its habitat is forest or sky.
• A cactus lives in the desert — its habitat is hot and dry.
Adaptations
Some living things have adaptations—special body parts or behaviors that help them live
in their environment.
📌 Examples of Adaptations:
• A camel has a hump to store fat so it can live without food or water for a long
time.
• A polar bear has thick fur and fat to stay warm in the cold.
• A chameleon can change color to hide from enemies.
• A duck has webbed feet to swim better in water.

🐾 Quiz Activity: Living and Nonliving Things

IDENTIFICATION (1–10)
1. ________________ What do we call things that are alive?
2. ________________ What do we call things that are not alive?
3. ________________ What do we call a living thing, like an animal or plant?
 4. ________________ What is the place where an organism lives?
5. ________________ What do we call a special feature that helps an animal
survive?
6. ________________ Which living thing grows from a seed and makes new seeds?
7. ________________ Which nonliving thing is used for reading but cannot grow or
move?
8. ________________ Which animal changes its color to hide from enemies?
9. ________________ Where does a fish live?
10. ________________ What body part helps a duck swim better?

TRUE OR FALSE (11–15)

11. _______ Living things can breathe, eat, and grow.
12. _______ A rock can grow and have babies.
13. _______ A cactus can live in cold snowy places.
14. _______ Polar bears have thick fur to keep them warm.
15. _______ Water is a living thing.

Measurement in Science

Measurement is an important part of science. It helps scientists describe things clearly

and compare them. When scientists measure, they are finding out the size, amount,
weight, or time of something. Measurement makes science more accurate and helps
people understand results better.
📏 1. Length

Length tells us how long, wide, or tall something is.

We measure length using tools like a ruler, measuring tape, or meter stick.
• The basic unit of length is the meter (m).
• Smaller lengths use centimeters (cm) and millimeters (mm).
• Longer distances use kilometers (km).
Examples:
• A pencil is about 18 cm long.
• A classroom whiteboard might be 2 meters wide.
• A road may be 3 kilometers long.
⚖️2. Mass

Mass tells us how heavy an object is.

We measure mass using a weighing scale or balance scale.
• The basic unit of mass is the kilogram (kg).
• Lighter items use grams (g).
Examples:
• A loaf of bread weighs about 500 grams (g).
• A watermelon might weigh 3 kilograms (kg).
• A coin may weigh about 10 grams (g).

🧴 3. Volume

Volume tells us how much space something takes up, especially liquids.
We use tools like measuring cups, graduated cylinders, or beakers to measure volume.
• The basic unit of volume is the liter (L).
• Smaller amounts use milliliters (mL).
Examples:
• A glass of water is about 250 milliliters (mL).
• A bottle of soda might be 1.5 liters (L).
• A swimming pool holds thousands of liters of water.

4. Temperature
Temperature tells us how hot or cold something is. It helps us understand the weather,
our body, and even if food or drinks are safe to eat or touch.

We use a tool called a thermometer to measure temperature. A thermometer has

numbers on it and shows if something is hot or cold.

Most countries use degrees Celsius (°C) to tell the temperature. The "°C" means
"degrees Celsius."Examples:
• A sunny day may be around 30°C.
• Ice freezes at 0°C.
• A warm bath is around 40°C.
 • Human body temperature is about 37°C.
⏰ 5. Time
Time tells us when something happens or how long something takes.
We use clocks, watches, stopwatches, or timers.
• Time is measured in seconds (s), minutes (min), and hours (h).
Examples:
• A science experiment might take 5 minutes.
• A school class may last for 1 hour.
• Boiling an egg may take 10 mi

✅ Measurement in Science Quiz

A. Identification (1–10)

Write the correct word or phrase. B. True or False (11–15)

1. The basic unit of length in science. Write “True” or “False.”
2. A tool used to measure length. 11. A ruler can measure
3. The unit we use for very long distances. length in centimeters and meters.
4. The basic unit of mass in science. 12. A balance scale measures
5. A lighter mass unit (1000 g = 1 kg). how hot something is.
6. The tool used to measure mass. 13. A graduated cylinder
7. The basic unit of volume for liquids. measures volume.
8. A small-volume unit (1000 mL = 1 L). 14. Water freezes at 0 °C.
9. The tool used to measure temperature. 15. A stopwatch can measure
10. The unit for measuring time in minutes. seconds and hours.
C. Multiple Choice (16–20)

16. Which tool would you use to measure 250 mL of water?

a. Thermometer b. Measuring cup c. Ruler d. Stopwatch
17. What is the mass of a bread loaf if it weighs 500 g?
a. 0.5 kg b. 5 kg c. 50 kg d. 0.05 kg
18. Which unit measures very small lengths?
a. Kilometer b. Meter c. Centimeter d. Millimeter
19. Human body temperature is about:
a. 0 °C b. 25 °C c. 37 °C d. 100 °C
20. Boiling an egg takes about 10 minutes. What unit is “10 minutes”?
a. mL b. cm c. min d. kg

🌍 Matter and Energy

Everything around us is made of matter. Matter is anything that takes up space and
has weight. That means if you can see it, touch it, or hold it, it is matter. Even things
you can’t see, like air, are still matter because they are there and take up space.
Matter comes in three forms, called states: solid, liquid, and gas.
A solid keeps its own shape. For example, a rock, a chair, or a toy is a solid. Solids are
usually hard and do not change shape unless you break them.

A liquid flows and takes the shape of the container it is in. For example, juice, milk,
or water. If you pour juice into a glass, it takes the shape of the glass.
A gas spreads out and fills the space around it. You cannot always see gas, but it is all
around us. Air is a gas. Another example is steam that comes from boiling water.

Matter can change from one state to another. This is called a change of state. For
example, water can turn into ice when it gets very cold (freezes), and ice can turn back
into water when it gets warm (melts). If you boil water, it becomes steam (a gas). These
changes happen because of heat or cold.

⚡ What is Energy?
Energy is the power that helps things move, work, or change. We use energy to walk,
talk, play, cook food, and run machines. Without energy, nothing would happen.
There are different types of energy:
1. Light Energy
Light energy helps us see. It comes from the sun, flashlights, candles, or light
bulbs. Without light, we cannot see anything clearly, especially at night.
🌱 Plants also need light energy to grow. They get light from the sun, which helps
them make their own food through a process called photosynthesis. Without
light, plants cannot grow.
2. Heat Energy
Heat energy makes things warm or hot. We get heat from the sun, fire, stoves,
and heaters. Heat helps us cook food, boil water, or make ourselves warm on cold
days.
3. Sound Energy
Sound energy is the energy we hear. It comes from music, talking, animals,
bells, and machines. When something makes a sound, it sends out energy that
travels to our ears.
4. Electrical Energy
Electrical energy comes from electricity. It powers many things we use every day
like lights, televisions, fans, computers, and refrigerators. It is very important
in our homes and schools.
One source of electrical energy in the Philippines is Maria Cristina Falls, which is found
in Iligan City. This waterfall is very tall and strong. The falling water is used to turn
machines called turbines, which create electricity. This kind of energy made from
moving water is called hydroelectric energy. Maria Cristina Falls gives electricity to
many places in Mindanao. It is a great example of how nature helps us make power.
📝 Quiz: Matter and Energy
Part I – Identification
Write the correct answer on the blank.
1. It is anything that takes up space and has weight. ________
2. The three states of matter are solid, ________, and gas.
3. A solid keeps its own ________.
 4. Water is an example of this state of matter. ________
5. This form of matter spreads out to fill space. ________
6. A process where water turns into ice. ________
7. When ice becomes water, it is called ________.
8. This energy helps us see. ________
9. This energy makes things warm or hot. ________
10. This energy is what we hear. ________
11. This energy powers TVs and lights. ________
12. Plants use this type of energy to make their own food. ________
13. We get light energy from the ________.
14. A chair is an example of a ________.
15. A gas that we breathe every day. ________
16. Boiling water turns into this gas. ________
17. The tool used to cook food using heat energy. ________
18. A machine that creates electricity using falling water. ________
19. A famous waterfall in Iligan City that produces electricity. ________
20. Electricity made from falling water is called ________ energy.
✅ Part II – True or False
Write True if the sentence is correct. Write False if it is not.
21. Matter is only what we can see and touch. ________
22. Solids change shape easily. ________
23. Air is a type of matter. ________
24. Liquids have their own shape. ________
25. Steam is a gas. ________
26. Heat can turn ice into water. ________
27. Energy is not important in our daily life. ________
28. Plants get energy from the moon. ________
29. Sound energy travels to our ears. ________
30. Light energy only comes from light bulbs. ________
31. Fire can give us heat energy. ________
32. Fans and refrigerators use electrical energy. ________
33. Maria Cristina Falls is located in Luzon. ________
34. Hydroelectric energy comes from moving water. ________
35. The sun is a source of light energy. ________
36. You can see most gases easily. ________
37. We use energy to move and work. ________
38. Electrical energy is not used in schools. ________
39. Water takes the shape of its container. ________
40. A pencil is an example of a solid. ________

🌍 Science and Our Earth

Science helps us understand how things work and how to take care of our Earth and
environment. The environment is everything around us—plants, animals, air, water,
land, and even people. When we study science, we learn how to protect these things and
keep the Earth healthy.
One way we study the environment is by learning about the weather. Weather tells us
what the air is like today. It might be sunny, cloudy, rainy, or windy. Sometimes, it
may be hot or cold. Weather can change every day.
Climate is different from weather. Climate means the usual weather in a place over a
long period of time. For example, the Philippines has a tropical climate, which means it
is usually hot and rainy in different months of the year.

🌱 Parts of the Environment

We also learn about parts of the environment such as:
 Soil – This is the top layer of the Earth where plants grow. Soil is important
because it holds water and nutrients that help plants live.
 Rocks – Rocks are hard, solid materials that come from nature. They can be big
like boulders or small like pebbles. Some rocks are used to build houses and roads.
 Water – Water is a liquid that all living things need to survive. People, animals,
and plants all need clean water to live. We drink water, cook with it, and use it to
grow food.
 Air – Air is a gas that we cannot see, but we breathe it every day. It gives us the
oxygen we need to stay alive.

🚫 Pollution
Sometimes, people put harmful things into the environment. This is called pollution.
Pollution can be trash, smoke, dirty water, or chemicals. Pollution can hurt animals,
plants, and people, so we need to learn how to keep the environment clean. Science
helps us understand how to reduce pollution and protect our planet.

🧪 Branches of Science
Science is divided into branches to help us study different parts of the world. The three
main branches of science are:
1. Physical Science
This branch studies matter (things that take up space and have weight) and
energy (things that make things move or change). It helps us learn how things
move, why things float, and how electricity works.
2. Life Science
Life Science is the study of living things, like plants, animals, and people. It
helps us understand how our body works, how plants grow, and how animals live in
different environments.
3. Earth Science
Earth Science is about the Earth and its features. It includes the land, water,
weather, and natural resources like soil, air, and minerals. It also teaches us
about natural events like earthquakes, volcanoes, and storms.

🌌 Astronomy – A Part of Earth Science

Another exciting part of Earth Science is called astronomy. Astronomy is the study of
space, including the stars, planets, the Moon, and the Sun. Scientists who study
space are called astronomers.
Astronomers use special tools called telescopes to look at the sky. They study the solar
system, which includes the Earth, the Sun, the Moon, and other planets like Mars and
Jupiter. They also try to understand how the universe works and where Earth fits in
space.
Astronomy helps us learn more about the night sky, the seasons, gravity, and even
how time works (like how Earth’s rotation gives us day and night).

📝 Science Quiz: Matter, Environment, and Branches of Science

Part I – Identification (Write the correct answer)
Write your answer on the blank line.
1. What is anything that takes up space and has weight? __________
2. What do we call the usual weather in a place over a long time? __________
3. What is the daily condition of the air, such as sunny or rainy? __________
4. What do plants grow in? __________
5. What is the solid part of the environment that can be big or small? __________
6. What is the liquid that all living things need to survive? __________
7. What is the gas that we breathe but cannot see? __________
8. What do we call harmful things that people put in nature? __________
9. What science branch studies matter and energy? __________
10. What branch of science studies plants, animals, and people? __________
11. What branch of science looks at land, water, and weather? __________
12. What is the study of space, stars, and planets? __________
13. Who uses telescopes to study the sky and planets? __________
14. What tool do astronomers use to look at space? __________
15. What is the name of the star closest to the Earth? __________
Part II – True or False
Write True if the statement is correct. Write False if it is not.
16. Soil is where plants grow. _________
17. Air is a solid. _________
18. Pollution helps animals and plants. _________
19. Water is a gas. _________
20. Rocks are soft and change shape easily. _________
21. Weather and climate mean the same thing. _________
22. Climate changes every day. _________
23. Matter takes up space and has weight. _________
24. Sound energy is used to grow plants. _________
25. Life Science helps us understand living things. _________
26. Earth Science teaches us about the Moon and stars. _________
27. Physical Science is the study of animals and plants. _________
28. Astronomy is part of Earth Science. _________
29. Astronomers study the stars and planets. _________
30. Science helps us understand and take care of our Earth. _________