Scientific Method By Q. H. TOADS

Scientific Method  A series of steps that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems  Several distinct steps but not a rigid procedures  May use all steps or not  Order of steps may differ or be repeated  Goal is to have reliable answers and solutions so as to gain insight into the problem being investigated

Steps of Scientific Method To get started, observations need to be made –Use all senses, not just sight, to gather information –Observation is an ongoing process throughout investigations

Steps (continued) Based on the observations made, a scientist will form a question-identify the problem (1) Hypothesize (2)or make an educated guess –Form a possible explanation or answer to the question –Format- If (cause/independent variable), then (effect/dependent variable), because ________ –Must be best guess and testable

Steps (continued) Test (3) your hypothesis and gather data –Gather information by making observations Earth scientists rely on this form of test most often –Conduct experiments Controlled experiments – one variable is changed at a time

Test (continued)Variables Independent variable (manipulated)-the thing YOU change (ONLY 1) Dependent variable (responding)- the thing you measure These both change it depends who changes them. Constant variable (controlled)- ALL the things that stay the same

Test (continued)- experimental design Control group-what compared to: nothing is changed Experimental group- test group; gets manipulated Constants- all the things you keep the same

Steps (continued) Analyze (4) the results –Create graphs and tables with information from research to organize data Draw conclusion (5) –Based on data collect, determine whether hypothesis is supported or not May form new hypothesis or question

Steps (continued) Communicate results (6)– share- publish –Share information from investigation with others so that they may learn from your experiment They may retest or duplicate investigation to see if similar conclusion is found

Revise and retest (7) Be sure the results are consistent

Q. H. TOADS Q H T O A D S