Preparation:

1. Create or a print scientific method poster
2. Chop up ingredients and put them into separate bowls or cups for students to use (older students can help)
3. Print or have students copy observation data log into their science journals
4. Set up a station with scientific methods poster, ingredients, mixing bowls, measuring spoons, data log, and science journal

Steps:

While we are learning the scientific method, we are going to be simultaneously making salsa! Have your students write down all the black texts into their notebook labeled under SCIENTIFIC METHOD! They will be using this method several times throughout the course, having it as a reference will help them follow future activities better and have a more structured view of the project. The activity instructions will be in blue.

1. Scientific method – a tested way science is performed to create correct results.

• Make an Observation: Find something in the world and observe it for a bit. Use all your senses: sound, sight, smell, touch, and taste. Give them a sample of the salsa. Use this free Salsa Data Log .
• Ask a question: Ask a question about the thing you previously observed. Have students open their science journal to a new page. Title this page “Salsa Experiment.” Now have them write “QUESTION: What ingredients were used to make the salsa?”
  • Research: Learning more about your topic before conducting an experiment. Let students observe (including taste) each ingredient. This way, they can make an informed decision. Make sure students chart all of their observations in the ingredient log.
• Hypothesis: Make a prediction that answers your question. On the “Salsa Experiment Page,” have you students write down which of the given ingredients are needed to make the exact same salsa.
  • Methods: Writing your process down so other scientists can follow your exact steps and finish with the same results. It is important to write down your steps because if another scientist cannot replicate your results precisely, then your experiment is proven false. On the “Salsa Experiment” page have students write down the measurements for each ingredient they add into the bowl. I used measuring spoons to make sure my measurements were exact.
• Test and collect data: Write down notes about the experiment’s results. All you are doing is collecting the facts. Do not try to prove or disprove your hypothesis. Let students observe and write down their findings on the chart from earlier. Did it sound the same as the first? Does it look the same (color, constancy)? Does it smell the same? Touch (does it feel the same)? Taste the same!?
• Results: This is where you decide if your hypothesis is correct or not. It does not matter if the hypothesis was correct; all the matters is that you recognize the real results. Have students decide if their receipe made the same salsa or a different one. Which salsa is their favorite, and why? Ask students what they will do the next time differently? Have them write their answers on the “Salsa Experiment” Page. 
• Retest: This is where either you (or other scientists) repeat the experiment and decide if the first test was accurate or not. If time and supplies permit, let students retest their salsa experiment. You can try to make the store bought salsa again or improve your recipe from the first time.