Scientific Method Notes   The scientific method is a process used to search for answers to questions about the world around us. Scientific methods generally include posing questions, developing and testing hypothesis, and drawing conclusions.

Scientific Method: process used to conduct experiments. 6 steps: 1. problem 2. research 3. hypothesis 4. experiment Materials list Procedure 5. observation/data collection 6. conclusion.

1) The problem is the first step of the scientific method 1) The problem is the first step of the scientific method. It is a testable question, and should be written in question form.

Written in question form Step 1: problem   Testable question Written in question form

(2) The 2nd step is to research the problem (2) The 2nd step is to research the problem. This is to gather data and information to help form the hypothesis. Research can be done through reading of books and other resource material including the internet.  

Step 2: research   Gather data Use books or internet

(3) A hypothesis is an educated prediction based on research or general knowledge and is the 3rd step. It is developed before the experiment is conducted. A hypothesis is a possible explanation for a problem. Hypothesis should be written in If…then format.  

Written in If..... then format. Step 3: hypothesis   Educated prediction Possible explanation Written in If..... then format.

(4) The 4th step of the scientific method is the experiment step (4) The 4th step of the scientific method is the experiment step. This step is broken into 2 parts. Part A is the materials list. The materials list should be written in list form with each item numbered. All materials or substances, their amounts, and any needed equipment must be included. The procedure is part B of the experiment step. The procedure should be written in list form, with each step numbered. This makes it much easier to follow. Clear, precise, detailed directions should be given for each step.

Part A: materials list. A list of items used in the experiment. Step 4: experiment   2 parts Part A: materials list. A list of items used in the experiment. Part B: procedure. A list of steps to be followed to complete the experiment.

(5) Data collection and observation are the 5th step (5) Data collection and observation are the 5th step. Collecting data requires observations. Scientific observations should include all 5 of your senses when appropriate. Data can be recorded on a chart of by listing observations.  

Step 5: observation/data collection Record number data   Record number data Record any other observations using 5 senses.

(6) The final, 6th step of the scientific method is the conclusion (6) The final, 6th step of the scientific method is the conclusion.. Students should tell if their hypothesis was supported or not supported. Tell why it was supported/not supported.. Lastly students must tell at least 1 thing they learned from the experiment.

Tell if hypothesis was supported or not supported. Step 6: conclusion   Tell if hypothesis was supported or not supported. Tell why it was supported or not supported. Tell 1 thing that was learned.