What is the Scientific Method? The guide to solving problems in an orderly way

The scientific method Involves……. Asking questions Making observations Trying things out in a orderly way Using certain steps

Steps of the Scientific method Identify the problem Gather information State a hypothesis Test the hypothesis Make careful observations of results Organize & analyze the data Form a conclusion

1. IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM STATE THE PROBLEM CLEARLY- USUALLY IN THE FORM OF A QUESTION. EXAMPLE: Why did my roses lose their leaves?

2. GATHER INFORMATION RESEARCH ASK QUESTIONS DISCOVER WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM EXAMPLE: Go to the library and read about plants; ask an expert.

3. HYPOTHESIS MAKE AN “EDUCATED GUESS” OR POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. EXAMPLE: I think plants need certain nutrients. If I fertilize the plant, it will keep its leaves.

4. TEST THE HYPOTHESIS DESIGN AN EXPERIMENT AND EXAMINE THE SITUATION TO CHECK THE HYPOTHESIS. EXAMPLE: Fertilize some of the plants, just use plain water on others.

5. MAKE CAREFUL OBSERVATIONS NOTE EVERYTHING YOUR SENSES CAN GATHER RECORD THE RESULTS (DATA) TAKE MEASUREMENTS KEEP CAREFUL RECORDS

6. ORANIZE AND ANALYZE DATA PUT THE DATA IN ORDER USE CHARTS AND TABLES TO ORGANIZE THE DATA FIGURE OUT WHAT THE DATA MEANS (ANALYZE IT)

7. STATE A CONCLUSION EXPLAIN THE DATA STATE WHETHER IT SUPPORTS THE HYPOTHESIS OR NOT If my roses grew more leaves, I can conclude that my hypothesis was correct.

REVISE THE HYPOTHESIS IF MY HYPOTHESIS WAS NOT SUPPORTED BY THE DATA, I WILL REVISE THE HYPOTHESIS…. EXAMPLE: If I spray insecticide, my roses will keep their leaves