The scientific method The key to a successful science fair project. 1

What is the scientific method? An orderly and acceptable method of asking questions, developing explanations, and testing those explanations. 2

Steps of the Scientific Method Conclusion Results Method Hypothesis Problem Research 3

Research Where do the Ideas come from? Personal experiences and observation Other people Books and internet Exploratory Experiments 4

The problem What is the key question? The topic for investigation, that is generally stated in a form of an open-ended question. Something that can be investigated through an experiment. 5

Hypothesis What direction should be taken? Prediction about the solution to the problem (answer the question) The project planning and experimenting is all based on testing this potential answer. 6

Method What is the step by step? A step by step process is used to test the hypothesis. Usually a set of phrases or sentences telling what is to be done. 7

Results How does one realize the outcomes? Record what happens when the method is carried out. Compare observations of different situations. Summarize the data in graphs and tables and search for patterns. 8

Conclusions Was the hypotheses correct? Summary of the results of the experiment. Statement of how the results relate to the original hypothesis. Ideas on related areas for future research. 9