You don’t improvise. That’s science. Often we give the misconception that the science has to go one way. The best thing to do is look at the data. Tell the students to look for actions that may have caused a result that was not the “norm.” Repeat the experiment to see if the results are different. This shows the students real science.

I love this Kirsten! When science experiments don’t go exactly as planned, it’s a great opportunity to embrace the unexpected and learn from it. As Ms. Frizzle from *The Magic School Bus* wisely says, "Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!" Improvisation in science often involves adjusting your approach, asking questions, and being open to discovering new results. By staying curious and flexible, you turn setbacks into valuable learning experiences.

Be honest with your class, and state that this isn't what you were expecting. Look at the data. Make sure that you controlled the variables and keep a constant. Then, try again the next day. I tell my class that scientists need to repeat their experiments because one time doesn't mean that it is done. Science data should be able to be replicated.