Generating+and+Testing+Hypotheses

= Generating and Testing Hypotheses = Research shows that a deductive approach (using a general rule to make a prediction) to this strategy works best. Whether a hypothesis is induced or deduced, students should clearly explain their hypotheses and conclusions. The strategy of generating and testing hypotheses includes several processes including systems analysis, invention, experimental inquiry, decision making, and problem solving. Students should be asked "what if?" as they plan and conduct simple investigations (e.g., formulate a testable question, make systematic observations, and develop logical conclusions).

Use a variety of structured tasks to guide students through generating and testing hypotheses and make sure students can explain their hypotheses and conclusions. Plan time for students to increase their conceptual understanding of skills or processes.

**Miscellaneous**

 * Educational Simulation links: @http://classroom.leanderisd.org/webs/links/simulation_links.htm
 * FreshBrain (Technology Exploration Platform for Teens): @http://www.freshbrain.org/
 * Google SketchUp (3D Modeling): @http://sketchup.google.com/intl/en/
 * MysteryNet's Kids Mystery: @http://kids.mysterynet.com/
 * Scholastic's Level Up! (students create video games): @http://www.scholastic.com/createvideogames/
 * Scholastic's Kids Games: http://www.scholastic.com/kids/stacks/games/?lnkid=stacks/nav/games/main>
 * Virtual Keyboard (piano keyboard): @http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/music/piano/index.htm

**Science**

 * Amusement Park Physics - Design a Roller Coaster: @http://www.learner.org/interactives/parkphysics/coaster/
 * BBC Dimensions: http://www.howbigreally.com/#80111
 * Bill Nye's Climate Lab: http://www.billsclimatelab.com/#
 * Building Big: @http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/
 * Discovery's Science Fair Central: @http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Getting-Started.html
 * Exploratorium: http://www.exploratorium.edu/explore
 * Fun With Food Webs (Elementary): @http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/food/food_menu.html
 * Gizmos! Online simulations for math and science: @http://www.explorelearning.com/
 * Imaging the Imagined (varied models for different subjects & grade levels): http://www.frontiernet.net/~imaging/contents.html
 * Interactive Weather Maker: @http://www.scholastic.com/kids/weather/
 * Invention at Play: @http://www.inventionatplay.org/playhouse_main.html
 * Phet (science simulations): @http://phet.colorado.edu/
 * MetEd (meteorology modules): @https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_detail.php
 * Science Discovery: @http://science.discovery.com/
 * Smog City: @http://www.smogcity.com/
 * Weather Channel Kids - Climate Code: @http://www.theweatherchannelkids.com/climate-code/
 * Windward: Outsmart the Weather in a Race Around the World: @http://broadband.ciconline.org/windward/default.aspx
 * Virtual Forest Challenge: @http://www.scholastic.com/growgreen/virtualforest/index.asp

**Social Studies**

 * British Museum - Young Explorers - Time Explorer: @http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/young_explorers/play/time_explorer.aspx
 * Docs Teach - National Archives: @http://docsteach.org/
 * History Pin: @http://www.historypin.com/
 * K-12 Web Archiving Project: @http://www.archive-it.org/k12/
 * Pilmoth Plantation - Learn Something Old: @http://www.plimoth.org/learn
 * Primary Access: @http://www.primaryaccess.org/
 * Washington Post - Top Secret America: @http://projects.washingtonpost.com/top-secret-america/
 * You Be the Historian: @http://americanhistory.si.edu/kids/springer/
 * Virtual Cell: @http://vcell.ndsu.edu/public.html
 * Zoo Matchmaker (K-5): @http://www.minnesotazoo.org/education/games/matchmaker/