I Predict, I Observe: Making Predictions and Observations

About This Resource

A complete Grade 4 science pack on two key science skills: making a prediction (what you think will happen, with a reason) and making observations (what you notice with your senses or by measuring). Students tell observations from predictions and opinions, write predictions with because, and test which paper soaks up the most water. Includes slides with notes, a lesson plan, worksheet, quiz, homework, flashcards, a rubric and answer keys.

Overview

Students learn how scientists think before, during and after an investigation. Before testing, they make a prediction: what they think will happen and why, using what they already know. During the test, they make careful observations with their senses and with measuring tools, and record them in a table. Afterwards, they compare the results with their prediction. Students practice telling observations apart from predictions and opinions, use a paper-absorbency test to collect real data, and learn that a prediction that turns out wrong still helps us learn.

Resource Details

Subject: Science
Topic: Making Predictions and Observations
Category: Science Experiments
File Type: PDF
File Size: 355.9 KB
Published: 08 Nov 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 4 (ages 9–10) 55 minutes Working scientifically predicting observing measuring recording comparing results

Learning Objectives

Make a prediction with a reason, using I predict … because ….
Make and record observations using the senses and measurements.
Compare results with a prediction and say what was learned.

How to Use This Resource

Start with the slides: show a cup of water and a paper towel and ask students what will happen when the corner touches the water.
Teach the key words with the slides and flashcards, then run the paper investigation and do worksheet activities 1 and 2 together.
Students complete activities 3 to 6, then use the quiz and send the homework page home.

Classroom Activity Ideas

Mystery bag: students feel an object inside a bag and give three observations before guessing what it is.
Paper soak test: dip strips of different paper into colored water and measure how high the water climbs after one minute.
Observation or opinion? Read statements aloud; students stand up for observations and sit down for opinions.

Differentiation

Support: give a sentence frame (I predict ____ because ____) and a results table that is already labeled. Challenge: students suggest how to make the paper test fair and explain why each paper must be the same size.

Assessment

Use the worksheet and quiz to check that students can tell predictions, observations and opinions apart. Use the rubric during the paper investigation and for the homework observation.

Teacher Tips

Students often think a wrong prediction is a mistake. Praise good reasons rather than right answers, and ask "What did we learn?" whenever the result surprises the class.

What's Included

11-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (8 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (6 activities)
Quiz / assessment (3 parts)
Homework practice page
Printable flashcards: 8 A5 picture cards (separate PDF)
Assessment rubric (4 levels)
Lesson slides (editable PowerPoint)
Editable Word version of all student pages
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)

Additional Files

Lesson Slides (PPTX)
Editable Student Pages and Lesson Plan (DOCX)
A5 Flashcards (PDF)
Answer Key (PDF)

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