Explorer: Science, Discovery and Evidence in Action
Observe, measure and test like a scientist, explore materials, forces, living things and the environment, then run your own fair investigation.
Instructor
Mindlect Academy
Course details
Duration
:
7 hours over 2 weeks
Lectures
:
8
Video
:
Investigation project
Assignments
:
1
Quizzes
:
1
Level
:
Level 1 · Explorer
- Description
- FAQ
- Notice
Level 1 · Explorer
Ask questions. Collect evidence. Explain what you find.
Learn how scientists observe, measure and test fairly. Explore materials, forces, living things and the environment around you, then plan and carry out your own investigation.
1ObserveAsk questions and measure carefully
2ExploreMaterials, forces, life and Earth
3ProveRun a fair test and explain the evidence
Designed for beginners: no experience is required. Younger learners observe, sort and talk about results. Older beginners plan variables and present data with more independence.
You will learn to
- Tell the difference between an observation and a guess.
- Ask testable questions and measure with the right units.
- Test materials and choose the best one for a job.
- Investigate pushes, pulls, friction and motion.
- Describe what living things need and how they depend on each other.
- Collect evidence about your local environment.
- Plan and run a fair test, then explain your results.
What you need
Everyday items such as a ruler or tape measure, a timer, paper, string, a ramp made from a board or book, and a few household materials to test.
Safety: only do activities approved by a responsible adult. Never taste, smell or mix unknown substances, and wash your hands after handling soil, plants or materials.
Do I need science equipment or a laboratory?
No. The activities use everyday items such as rulers, timers, paper, string and household materials, with adult supervision.
Is any science experience needed?
No. This is a Level 1 Explorer course designed for beginners.
How is the course completed?
Complete the lessons, submit your investigation evidence and achieve 80% or more in the final assessment.
Complete every lesson, achieve at least 80% in the final assessment and earn at least 70% on approved project evidence. Your verified certificate will then appear in My Mindlect.
Think like a scientist
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1
1. Observe, Ask and MeasureStart here See carefully, then measure An observation is something you notice with your senses or measure with a tool. A guess or explanation… -
2
2. Matter and MaterialsMaterials Choose the right material for the job An object is a thing, like a cup. A material is what it is made from,…
Explore the world
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3
3. Forces, Motion and EnergyForces What makes things move and stop? A force is a push or a pull. Forces can start something moving, stop it, speed it…
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4
4. Life and Living SystemsLiving things What do living things need? Living things grow, need food or energy, use water, respond to their surroundings and reproduce. Plants need…
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5
5. Earth, Environment and Responsible ChoicesEnvironment Look after the place you live Earth provides the water, air, soil and energy that living things need. Some resources are renewable, which…
Evidence in action
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6
6. Evidence in Action: Plan a Fair TestInvestigation plan Plan a fair investigation In a fair test you change one thing, measure one result and keep everything else the same. That…
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7
7. Evidence in Action: Investigate and ExplainCapstone investigation Collect evidence and explain it Run your test three timesRecord every result with unitsWork out the averageDraw a bar chartWrite your conclusionSay…
Show what you know
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8
Project Submission: Evidence in Action Investigation -
9
Final Assessment: Explorer Science -
10
Results, Progress and Your Mindlect ReportYour progress See what you have completed Your report combines course progress, the 20-question assessment and facilitator-reviewed investigation evidence. It updates as each part…