The Scientific Method

Scientific Method An organized and controlled way to ask and answer science questions

1. Problem/Question Develop a question or problem to be answered MUST be able to test the question with an experiment

2. Observation/Research You need to know something about the subject before you design an experiment

Do you remember the next step?

3. Formulate a Hypothesis An educated guess A prediction of what you think will happen in the experiment

4. Experiment Must write out the steps ahead of time (plan) Must have materials list and instructions Must follow steps exactly Must be a measurable outcome

Collect & Analyze Data Keep record of data Compare and contrast data

Conclusion Determine if your data proves or disproves your hypothesis Write a report to explain your hypothesis, experiment and data results

Communicate Results Be prepared to present and discuss your work Be ready to answer questions about your work

Independent Variable The condition that is intentionally changed by the investigator in an experiment There can be only one independent variable in an experiment

Dependent Variable The condition that will change as a result of the independent variable The factor that you are measuring to collect data

Control Group Exposed to same conditions as the experimental group, except for the independent variable Used to compare the effects of the independent variable