The Scientific Method

Science Science – The study of nature and the physical world using the methods of science, or a “special method of finding things out.” Scientific method(s) – A process of critical thinking that uses observations and experiments to investigate testable predictions about the physical universe.

Science Scientific theory – A causal explanation for generalized patterns in nature that is supported by much scientific evidence based on data collected using scientific methods. Hypothesis – A testable explanation for observations and questions about the physical universe. (Note: “hypothesis” is very similar to “prediction,” and the two words are often used interchangeably.)

Scientific Method Methods – An ordered series of steps followed to help answer a question. Analysis or reasoning– The breakdown of something that is complex into smaller parts in such a way that leads to a better understanding of the whole.

Steps of the Scientific Method 1. Problem…(What do you wonder about?) • State the question(s) the experiment you are trying to solve. The question should be stated as an If… Then …. statement, Example: If you place a gummy bear in water over night then it will dissolve in the water.

2. Background Research…(What do you already know?) Scientific Method 2. Background Research…(What do you already know?) • Gather information about the problem before the experiment. This may also be your common sense about the topic or prior knowledge. Classify – Grouping things together based on specific characteristics. Compare – To examine the different and/or similar characteristics of things or events. Data – Information, measurements and materials gathered from observations that are used to help answer questions.

3. Hypothesis…(What do you predict will happen?) Scientific Method 3. Hypothesis…(What do you predict will happen?) • Predict what will happen in the experiment. • Identify your different types of variables. Variables? Possible setbacks? Alternative methods (if failed)? INDEPENDENT variable (the only thing you change): DEPENDENT variable (what you are measuring or looking for): CONTROL (or CONSTANT) variables (things you keep the same, other than the independent):

4. Experiment…(What supplies do you need?)…(What steps will you take?) Scientific Method 4. Experiment…(What supplies do you need?)…(What steps will you take?) Experiment – A test using observations and controlled variables to discover answers to questions, and/or to check a hypothesis. Materials—List supplies and equipment used to conduct experiment. Procedure—Describe the step-by-step process on how the experiment was performed. Organize an appropriate data table and make sure you do an odd number of trials.

5. Results…(What happened in your experiment?) Scientific Method 5. Results…(What happened in your experiment?) • Record and graph quantitative data (numbers). • Report qualitative data in a detailed way (observations) Quantitative data – Data that is based on measurable characteristics of things or events such as mass, volume, length, and quantity. Example: “There is one liter of juice in the carton.” Qualitative data – Data that is based on observable characteristics of things or events that can be collected using the five senses. Example: “The juice tastes sweet to me.”

Scientific Method 6. Conclusion…(What did you learn about your prediction?)…(What new questions do you have?) • Summarize results. • State if hypothesis was supported or not. • Suggest improvements to the experiment.