The Scientific Method

The scientific method has 7 main steps. Do you know what they are?

Step 1: Define the problem. Ask a question, and then research your topic.

Step 2: Collect information. A good place to start is How, When, Where, Who, Which, and/or Why.

Step 3: Make a hypothesis. The hypothesis is your best guess or solution to the problem based on the information you have collected. Ex.: If I make a change to X, then Y will change because ______________.

Step 4: Record your procedure. Make a step by step plan of your experiment. Why is this important?

Step 5: Test your hypothesis. Only change one independent variable in each experiment. Repeat experiment many times (at least 3 in class). Independent variable: a variable you control. Dependent variable: a variable you measure.

Step 6: Make observations. Observe closely and record data. Make detailed notes. Organize and evaluate your data.

Step 7: Draw a conclusion. What did you find? Was your hypothesis correct? Summarize your experiment. Share your findings.