Who uses it? What is it? Why should I care? Scientific Method Who uses it? What is it? Why should I care?

Everyone uses it everyday. Yes Even You!!!!!!!!!!

It is a way to solve problems. Do you have any problems to solve? Any big or any small ones?

Any of these sound familiar? Where are My Shoes? What should I have for lunch? What class do I have next? Did I do my homework for that class? Which medicine works best for my cold symptoms? Which deodorant works the longest?

There are six steps to the Scientific Method. 1. Problem 2. Research 3. Hypothesis 4. Experiment 5. Conclusion 6. Share/Report the Results

By following these steps in order you will learn about your question. Notice the IN ORDER part. It is very important.

Step 1 - Problem *This is the question that you are trying to answer or problem that you are trying to solve. *Try to narrow it down and be very specific.

Step 2 - Research gather data about your question. - books magazines reports experts your past experiences websites

Step 3 - Hypothesis -an educated guess -a prediction based on data -what you think the answer is based upon your gathered information

Step 4 - Experiment This is broken into 4 parts: materials, procedure, data, and analysis.

Prior to Experimenting: Establish variables. - Set up a control group and an experimental group to identify your VARIABLES.  Independent variable – what is changing between the control and experimental group?  Dependent variable – how are you measuring the change of the independent variable?  Constants – what things MUST stay the same between the control group and the experimental group?

Experiment (cont’d) Materials - a list of equipment that you will need for the experiment. Procedure - a list of instructions that you need to follow for the experiment. Data - a collection of information (qualitative and/or quantitative observations) from the experiment that tells what happened in the form of charts and graphs. Analysis – Reviewing the data for trends or patterns.

Step 5 - Conclusion What did you find the answer to the question was? It is OK if it turns out that your hypothesis was not correct. You learned!!!!!!!!!

Step 6 - Report Your Findings/Share Your Results One of the most important parts of the scientific method is to report to others your findings. You will help others learn.