Show how science discoveries are made by starting teacher-initiated discussions. Help students hear how to phrase open-ended questions and talk in scientific terms by example. Lead their line of thought by asking for other ways of coming up with answers, for example ask students for all the different ways they can come up with to measure their science textbook -- ruler or scale, across the top or around the perimeter. Ask questions that help flesh out the students reading material and have them formulate answers. In this way, the textbook review is interactive and can help students remember facts.
Encourage students to ask questions. Let them express their natural curiosity by creating a learning environment that is open to student-led discussions and off-topic investigations. Provide a place for students to post their questions such as on a dedicated bulletin board or during free time. Occasionally assign open-ended science projects where students can investigate something that makes them wonder or allow them to choose a science question from the bulletin board.
Instead of relying on the data from the textbook, encourage students to conduct their own data collection. Actively engage them in learning by having them set up experiments and record their own information. Give options as to how the data is collected depending on the subject and available supplies. Consider incorporating digital cameras, camcorders, journals or online.
Make a habit of bringing science-related current events into the classroom studies. Use newspaper clipping and video taped news shows highlighting extreme weather or new medical discoveries. Show them how science is incorporated into day-to-day life and how scientists work. Ask a current professional scientist to speak to the class about the focus of their work and how relevant the scientific method is to their day-to-day life.