How to Think Like a Scientist: Answering Questions by the Scientific Method

by Stephen P. Kramer

Uses questions about hypothetical situations to introduce the process of thinking according to scientific method.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Childrens

44 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great explanation of the scientific method. I appreciate that included common errors people make when they try to answer questions (e.g., applying the wrong information to the situation or cherry picking evidence so you come to the conclusion that you want). Excellent explanation of the use and importance of control vs experimental groups. My kids really enjoyed the narrative style. I know my four-year-old didn't get much out of it as far as an understanding of the scientific method goes, but he enjoyed the book while his eight-year-old sister "got it" a little better.

We got this one from the library, but I might end up buying a copy. I gave it four stars rather than five just because I feel nervous about the suggestion that my children find a dead snake and put it in the freezer, even if it's a suggestion made in jest. Luckily, we don't live in snake-rich country.

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this with my son as part of Build Your Library level 3. I like how the scientific method and questioning were presented with stories and stopping to ask the reader what they think, but the writing was not engaging for either of us. We were relieved to get to the end. There has to be a better book on this topic.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age: 8+
Content Considerations: none

This is an excellent book to use with children learning about the scientific method. It uses stories and real-life examples to guide children through the process.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily five stars. Very thorough explanation of the scientific method at a child's level, while also interesting and entertaining enough to retain my child's attention. Would highly recommend.

[Nato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it because I was learning about how scientists think.

[Dmitry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually very well written, with great examples.

[Gracie Schlabach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute illustrations and interesting thought provoking questions for youth. Inspired to teach them on the scientific method and application to every day scenarios.

[Richard Auzier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foi divertido e aprendi coisas novas. Recomendo!

[Kate Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for Build Your Library Curriculum Level 3. More adults need to read the content of this book (mainly the chapter on gathering information and answering questions.)

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age range I think is 1st-9th grade. It teaches you about the scientific method. The scientific method is a way of questioning yourself or a problem. This helps scientists to get the right answer. It can take months to find the right answer.

There is a good mix of stories and science. The stories have questions in them, some left unanswered, but it helps you understand how you would go about solving the problem with the scientific method.

The book also lists the 5 steps of the scientific method:
1. ask a question
2. gather information about the question
3. form a hypothesis
4. test the hypothesis
5. tell others what you found

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the idea of this book and it's well written. It explains the scientific method clearly and gives numerous examples and walks you through several experiments using the method. But it didn't work terribly well for us. Most likely because my kids are too young at this point (2nd grade). And reading it out loud was a bit awkward.

I do want to try it again when they're a bit older and have them read it to themselves and then use what they learned to develop some experiments of their own.

[Bonnie Pohlig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book with short chapter-like sections on the processes of developing and answering questions and using the scientific method. It teaches children to be careful of trusting other people’s observations and conclusions. It is for grades 3-7, although if the teacher read it out loud and made some modifications, it could be for 2nd grade too, and I would hesitate to use it about 5th or 6th grade I think, as it might be too childish for them.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun presentation of the topic, with some notable additions such as common reasons for faulty reasoning, and discussions of experimental vs. control groups. Well chosen anecdotes put the concepts into practice.

[Samantha]

This book was very useful and helped me during projects. I reccommend this i learned about the scientific method and was able to use it as a resource.

[Liv · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for school. I knew all of it already, but okay.

Not terribly exciting, but what can you do:]

[Sheila Callahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this would be terrific for fourth graders, perhaps third. It would be a good accompaniment to learning about learning about scientific inquiry.

[Sarah Ziskend]

Good for:
Scientific method, asking questions

Good book but its long (44pages) should be used for students when they are done with work

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book because it tells me how to think like a scientist.

[Rosie Gearhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introduces the scientific method. Ages 7+