Natural Events The Scientific Method The scientific method is a process of investigating natural events through a series of detailed steps. The scientific method is a process of investigating natural events through a series of detailed steps. Investigations may lead to the discovery of new and reliable information. Investigations may lead to the discovery of new and reliable information. A familiar phrase related to the scientific method is “critical thinking”. A familiar phrase related to the scientific method is “critical thinking”.

Identify Problems /Ask Questions Problems need to be solved. Problems need to be solved. Questions need to be answered. Questions need to be answered. The scientific method begins by observing problems and asking questions. The scientific method begins by observing problems and asking questions. Yes, the scientific method has often led to new problems and/or more questions. Yes, the scientific method has often led to new problems and/or more questions. Technology and the application of the scientific method have always been a partnership. Technology and the application of the scientific method have always been a partnership. For example, the development of more powerful microscopes have allowed scientist to answer bigger questions about smaller things. For example, the development of more powerful microscopes have allowed scientist to answer bigger questions about smaller things.

Research the Problem/Question You are probably not the only person to have this problem or question. You are probably not the only person to have this problem or question. Check all current references. Check all current references. Information can come from a variety of areas, like written resources or expert interviews. Information can come from a variety of areas, like written resources or expert interviews. Research may lead to revisions in your original thinking. Research may lead to revisions in your original thinking.

Form a Hypothesis Coming up with a solution to a problem or an answer to a question is called “forming a hypothesis”. Coming up with a solution to a problem or an answer to a question is called “forming a hypothesis”. A hypothesis is also considered to be an educated guess. A hypothesis is also considered to be an educated guess. Educated guesses allow for predictions to be made about the hypothesis. Educated guesses allow for predictions to be made about the hypothesis. A good hypothesis can be tested. A good hypothesis can be tested.

Testing An experiment is the controlled process of testing predictions based on a hypothesis. An experiment is the controlled process of testing predictions based on a hypothesis. All of the conditions or situations that affect the experiment are called variables. All of the conditions or situations that affect the experiment are called variables. Variables that are not changed are controlled variables. Variables that are not changed are controlled variables. The variable that is changed is the independent variable. The variable that is changed is the independent variable. The dependent variable is changed in response to the independent variable. The dependent variable is changed in response to the independent variable. Helper statement: You want to “control” as much as you can, which will clearly show how the independent variable works on the dependent variable. Helper statement: You want to “control” as much as you can, which will clearly show how the independent variable works on the dependent variable.

Collection and Analysis of the Data Record all of the test results. Record all of the test results. Create and organize charts, graphs, sketches, video clips, and research notes. Create and organize charts, graphs, sketches, video clips, and research notes. Think critically about the data which is collected by looking for trends and patterns. Think critically about the data which is collected by looking for trends and patterns. Answer how your results and analysis of the data applies to your hypothesis and other predictions. Answer how your results and analysis of the data applies to your hypothesis and other predictions.

Report After summarizing your research, report your results. After summarizing your research, report your results. Provide the opportunity for your hypothesis, results, and analysis to continue to be supported or even disproved. Provide the opportunity for your hypothesis, results, and analysis to continue to be supported or even disproved. Research may lead to more problems and questions, which will continue the use of the scientific method. Research may lead to more problems and questions, which will continue the use of the scientific method.

The Method At Work Michael wanted to know, “How can I get a better grade on my tests?” Michael asked other friends if they had ever had any success in studying with someone. Some said yes, and others thought it wasn’t a good idea to study with another person. He thought, “If I call a friend and review our notes the night before the test, it could improve my grade.” Michael wanted to know for himself. He experimental by studying with a friend for the next test. He noticed that his grade improved. The test was hard and Michael concluded that it was an effective technique. The next day in school, Michael shared his experience with his friends at the lunch table.