The Scientific Method Notebook p. 4

Step 1: Ask a Question Example: What effect does the sun have on plants? Observation: noticing or paying close attention to your surroundings in order to gain information Step 2: Make Observations/Do Research

Step 3: Make a Hypothesis Hypothesis: a temporary, testable explanation (ideally in an “If…and…then” statement). Step 4: Do an Experiment and Collect Data Variable: factor that can change or be changed in an experiment

Types of Variables Independent Variable (manipulated variable): factor that you wish to test that is purposely changed in order to be tested Dependent Variable (responding variable): factor that you measure to gather results; may be affected by the change in the independent variable Controlled Variables: purposely kept the same throughout the experiment.

Types of Variables (continued) Independent Variable (manipulated variable): (x-axis on a graph) (left side of data table) Dependent Variable (responding variable): (y-axis on a graph) (right side of a data table) Controlled Variables: purposely kept the same throughout the experiment.

Step 5: Analyze Data Looking for relationships in the data, trying to come to a conclusion Step 6: Make a Conclusion Paragraph that tells if your hypothesis was right or wrong and how you know. If your hypothesis was wrong, you may wish to revise your hypothesis. Step 7: Communicate Your Findings