The Scientific Method

1. Identify a Question - Make sure you know what question you are trying to answer or problem you are trying to solve.

2. Gather and Organize Information Research in a library, interview someone knowledgeable about the subject, test or work in a lab or field experiment be sure to evaluate sources and only use those that are dependable Make sure you understand scientific illustrations or concept maps you find during research organize your information using Venn diagrams, tables, or models 2. Gather and Organize Information

3. Form a Hypothesis hypothesis- a possible explanation based on previous knowledge and observations you must be able to design an experiment to test the hypothesis needs to be in the if, then, because format - example: If you drop an egg from a height of 6 feet then it will crack because the egg shell is easily broken.

4. Test the Hypothesis Make observations and collect data and information follow the same procedure each time you test identify the independent and dependent variables and the controls run experiments and change the independent variables to record the results

Observe items and events and record data as numbers or descriptions qualitative data- use only words to describe an observation quantitative data- use numbers and words to describe an observation scientists observe, estimate, sample, and measure 5. Collect Data

6. Analyze the Data Look for patterns in the data to find the meaning of your observations and results scientists interpret the data, classify, compare and contrast, and recognize cause and effect

7. Draw Conclusions Use inferences to explain observations or indicate a cause apply conclusions to determine whether the data supports the hypothesis

8. Communicate Share your results with others scientists write articles in journals and magazines, or share information on the internet or in lectures