Learning From Failure in Science

Labs and engineering challenges are fantastic opportunities for students to explore, experiment, and discover. However, sometimes things don't go as planned. Unexpected results can be frustrating, but they also offer valuable lessons!

Here are some ideas to keep in mind when a lab or challenge doesn't go according to plan:

Tip 1: Embrace the Unexpected 

Acknowledge that things didn't go as expected and express curiosity about why. This sets the stage for a learning discussion. 

Tip 2: Open a Discussion

Guide a conversation about what students observed, even if it wasn't what they predicted. Encourage them to share ideas about what might have caused the unexpected results.

Here's a discussion prompt you can use with your students:

Today, our experiment didn't have the result we expected. Let's brainstorm some reasons why that might be. What did we observe?  What could we have done differently? How can we use what we learned today to improve our understanding of [scientific concept]?"

Tip 3: Focus on the Process

Remind students that science is a journey, and even failed experiments teach us something new. Emphasize that the scientific method (or engineering design process) is a cycle, not a one-and-done process. We can use what we learned today to improve next time!

Tip 4: Pause & Revisit the Lesson: Filling the Toolbox

Science is all about exploration and discovery, but that doesn't mean explicit lessons aren't needed. Sometimes, students might need to revisit these lessons to be successful with hands-on activities like engineering challenges or labs.

This is where building a strong knowledge base comes in. Think of it like equipping your students with the right tools for the job. In my 4th grade reflection and light unit, for example, students were tasked with designing a structure to help them see over a wall. When I noticed a group struggling, I took a step back and let them discuss. However, when they still faced challenges, I recognized they might need a refresher on the core concepts. So, we revisited the lesson slides together. We focused on a diagram of a submarine that uses mirrors to see:

This was the missing piece they needed to help them plan their structure. Their final structure accomplished their goal by using mirrors to reflect light!

View our curriculum samples and scroll to grades 3-5 to view the entire Reflection & Light engineering activity (shown above).

Tip 5: Relate to Real Science

Share examples of famous scientists who learned from failures. Did they give up? How did they use those experiences to move forward?

For example, Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin came from an unexpected mold growing on a forgotten experiment!

Tip 6: Refine and Retry

Depending on the situation, you might decide to adjust the experiment or try it again with changes based on the discussion. There’s nothing wrong with starting over!

By turning unexpected results into learning opportunities, we can show students that failure is a natural part of the scientific process. It's how we learn, adapt, and ultimately make discoveries!