Scientific Method
What is the scientific method? It is a process that is used to find answers to questions about the world around us.
Identify the Problem What do you want to know or explain? Use observations you have made to write a question that addresses the problem or topic you want to investigate.
Form a Hypothesis What do you think will happen? Predict the answer to your question or the outcome of the experiment. Important: A hypothesis doesn't have to be right for the experiment to be correct. -testable statement
Create an Experiment How will you test your hypothesis? Develop a procedure for a reliable experiment and address safety rules.
Perform an Experiment Follow the steps in your procedure to perform your experiment. Record data and observations!
Analyze the Data Is the data reliable? Does your data and observations from the experiment support your hypothesis.
Is your data inaccurate or the experiment flawed? Yes? Modify the Experiment Rewrite your procedure to address the flaws in the original experiment.
Is your data inaccurate or the experiment flawed? No? Communicate the Results Write a conclusion that summarizes the important parts of your experiment and the results.
Resources: Science Fair Handbook for Teachers, Parents, and Students by Sandy Lautz nce%20Fair%20Handbook/scientificmethod. htm nce%20Fair%20Handbook/scientificmethod. htm Science Spot Anchor1
Important Definitions Hypothesis-A testable question based on what is observed. Independent Variable – The variable you plan to change in your experiment. Dependent Variable – The variable whose value changes in response to changes in the independent variable Control – A standard for comparison, usually a control shows that the dependent variable is only dependent on the independent variable and not on something else in the system.
How will you use the scientific method?
Hang Time Ray Guy of the Oakland Raiders was one of the most successful punters in football. His punts stayed in the air for so long that he was accused of putting helium gas in the footballs.
Activity Create an experiment to determine the plausibility of the helium football accusation.
Requirements Hypothesis – testable question Experimental design: What dependent, and independent variables will you use and measure? What controls will you have? Present your experimental design to the class.