The Scientific Method
The scientific method is the only scientific way accepted to back up a theory or idea. This is the method on which all research projects should be based. The Scientific Method is used by researchers to support or disprove a theory.
The Scientific Method The Scientific Method involves 6 steps: Observation Question Hypothesis Experiment Result Conclusion
The Scientific Method Observation (Analyze Information)- You observe something in the material world, using your senses or machines which are basically extensions of those senses. AH—Look at this!
The Scientific Method Question- You ask a question about what you observe. State the problem or question. Example: How far will the plane fly if I wind the string 10 times?
The Scientific Method Hypothesis- You predict what you think the answer to your question might be. Example: My hypothesis is that my plane will fly 10 feet when I wind the string 10 times.
The Scientific Method Experiment - You figure out a way to test whether the hypothesis is correct. The outcome must be measurable. You must record and analyze data. 10 WindsTest #1Test #2Test #3 # of feet
The Scientific Method Result- You do the experiment using the method you came up with and record the results. You repeat the experiment to confirm your results by retesting. 10 WindsTest #1Test #2Test #3 # of feet20 23
The Scientific Method State Conclusion- You state whether your prediction was confirmed or not and try to explain your results. Example: My hypothesis was incorrect. My plane travelled farther than 10 feet using 10 winds. I underestimated the force of the winds. If I conducted this experiment again, I would change… I would keep … the same.