The Scientific Method

Step 1: Ask a Question. Must be something you can research scientifically. Cannot be an opinion question such as which flowers do you like better, roses or daises?

Step 2: Write a hypothesis. Make a prediction of what you think the outcome of your question will be. Must be in the “If, then, because” format.                                     

Step 3: List your materials. Be specific – include the amount needed for each material.

Step 4: Write a Procedure. Make sure it’s specific and clear. Should be a step by step list that is numbered.                                     

Step 5: Write your variables and constants. Manipulated Variable (independent variable) – the variable that you change in the experiment Responding Variable (dependant variable) – the variable that changes in response to what you changed. Constants and controls – things you MUST keep the same in order to run the experiment correctly You will only have 1 manipulated variable and 1 responding variable. EVERYTHING else MUST stay the same in order for the experiment to be valid.

Step 6: Make a data table. Easy way to show results. Could be a table, chart, graph…

Step 7: Write a conclusion. Be sure to include: Your results in words (tell me what your data says in a few sentences) State whether your hypothesis was correct or not and why Discuss any possible errors that may have occurred in your experiment. Explain how you could make the experiment better if you were do the experiment again.