- propose questions to investigate and practical problems to solve (e.g., "How does water affect the landscape?")
- state a prediction and a hypothesis based on an observed pattern of events (e.g., hypothesize about the relationship between water volume and the erosion of a sand mountain)
- identify appropriate tools, instruments, and materials to complete their investigations (e.g., use a magnifying glass to investigate crystal shapes in rocks and minerals)
- carry out procedures to explore a given problem and to ensure a fair test of a proposed idea, controlling major variables (e.g., carry out a hardness test of a rock by seeing if the rock scratches a penny or if the penny scratches the rock)
- follow a given set of procedures (e.g., follow instructions to carry out an erosion activity in a sandbox)
- J make observations and collect information that is relevant to a given question or problem (e.g., observe changes to a local hill following a heavy rainstorm)
- J record observations using a single word, notes in point form, sentences, and simple diagrams and charts (e.g., use a chart to record observations from a rock hardness test)
- identify new questions or problems that arise from what was learned (e.g., identify new questions such as "What earth materials are used in road construction?")
- communicate procedures and results, using lists, notes in point form, sentences, charts, graphs, drawings and oral language (e.g., present an exhibit of rocks found in their local environment)