Construct a Hypothesis A Step in the Scientific Method

Hypothesizing is… making a prediction based on evidence that must be tested through experimentation.

Hypotheses.. follow the “If…, then… because…” format – If there is more sunlight in my room early in the morning, then I will wake up earlier because I have trouble sleeping when my room is full of light. are constructed before conducting the investigation. – Take a minute and discuss (with a partner) why this would be done before conducting the experiment. are based on prior knowledge or research. – It’s not just a guess! No guessing allowed 

Important to Remember! Your hypothesis is NOT… xproven with one scientific inquiry. It is either supported or not supported. xwritten after your scientific investigation to ensure your hypothesis is correct. xa personal judgment, opinion, or random guess. X vague statement.

Let’s Practice Write a hypotheses based on the following testable question: Does baking powder effect how high a cake will rise when cooked? **Remember the format for writing a hypothesis looks like this** If…, then…. because…

Let’s Practice Question: Does baking powder affect how high a cake will rise when cooked? One Possible Hypothesis: If I increase the amount of baking powder in my cake batter, then my cake will have a greater height when cooked because baking powder reacts when heated to produce a gas.

Let’s Practice This hypothesis does not meet all the criteria required to write a good hypothesis. Take a few minutes, discuss with a partner. If I wash clothes in three types of detergent, then the most expensive laundry detergent will remove the greatest percentage of the stain because obviously anything that costs more is better.