I was that 12-year-old. My brain still works this way when tackling novel problems. If I may suggest, instead of reprimands (I'd imagine your kid knows they'd

I was that 12-year-old. My brain still works this way when tackling novel problems. If I may suggest, instead of reprimands (I'd imagine your kid knows they'd messed up and won't try this experiment again), use these situations to teach your child about forming hypotheses, questioning assumptions and doing reality checks before starting an experiment.