The Scientific Method

What Is Science? SCIENCE is an organized way of using evidence to learn about the natural world. Experimental research is used to answer scientific questions by testing a hypothesis through the use of a series of carefully controlled steps. The steps taken to answer scientific questions are known as scientific methods.

The Scientific Method Step 1: Recognize/identify the problem Step 2: Form a hypothesis Step 3: Test the hypothesis Step 4: Analyze the data Step 5: Draw conclusions Step 6: Communicate the results

Hypothesis A HYPOTHESIS is a prediction or statement that can be tested. - Is always a statement, never a question - Often contains the words “if” and “then” - Is what is being tested in the experiment - The results of the experiment will either confirm or refute the hypothesis

Variables In well-planned experiments, one variable is changed at a time. To run a proper experiment, you must make sure every variable remains the same except for the one you are testing. The INDEPENDENT VARIABLE is the variable being changed - When being graphed, the independent variable is plotted on the X-axis The DEPENDENT VARIABLE is the factor being measured - When being graphed, the dependent variable is plotted on the Y-axis A CONTROL is a sample that is treated like the other experimental groups except that the independent variable is not applied to it

What Every Valid Scientific Experiment Must Contain A testable hypothesis Adherence to the hypothesis Must be repeatable by others Minimal factors being tested (ideally only one factor) Controls Data to support the results Sufficient sample size A logical conclusion based on the results