Scientific Method

1. Identify Problem

Written as a question. No pronouns.

2. Observations

Any information that comes to us through our 5 senses.

3. Data

Written & collected observations. Charts, graphs

4. Hypothesis

Educated guess used to explain our observation. No pronouns, written as a If, Then statement

5. Experiment

An activity designed to test a hypothesis. Include materials, procedures, & variables

6. Theory

Tested hypothesis. May be false. May not be proven.

7. Scientific Law

A theory which is always found to be correct. Universally accepted.

Controlled Experiment

All factors are the same except the one being tested. Made up of two parts.

A. Control

Part that does not get special treatment.

B. Variable

Part that does get special treatment. It causes the change in an experiment. There are different types of variables:

Constant Variable

Factors that stay the same.

Manipulative Variable. Also called the Independent variable. “Cause”

The part you can change or control, a deliberate change.

Responding Variable. Also called the dependent variable. “Effect or Result”

The part that is a result of the change. The change that occurred because of the mv.

Control Group

Used for comparison. Doesn’t receive any treatment.