1. The Scientific Method
You Should Take Notes 

2. Step 1 : Identify A Problem
When you identify a problem you must put it in a form of a question.
For example, “What’s in the bag?”
After you form a question you take observations.

3. Step 2: Form a Hypothesis
“A hypothesis is a reasonable and educated possible answer based on what you know and what you observe.”
For example, “I think there is a rock in the bag.”

4. Step 3: Experiment
A controlled experiment involves changing one factor and observing its effect on another, while keeping all other factors constant.
The control is what remains constant!

5. Step 3: Experiment (continued)
Variables are factors that can be changed in an experiment.
The variable that is changed in an experiment is called the independent variable. (object; it’s what your testing!)

6. Step 3: Experiment (continued)
The dependent variable changes as a result of a change in the independent variable.
It usually is the dependent variable that is observed in an experiment. (ex. mass, quantity of objects, what it feels like)

7. Step 4: Analyze Your Data
A scientific investigation always contains observations: called data.
Data can be recorded as tables, charts, or graphs.

8. Step 5: Conclude and Communicate
When concluding, ask yourself two questions:
First, does the conclusion make sense?
Second, are there any other possible explanations?

9. Step 6: Repeat and/or Revise
If Hypothesis Supported
Repeat Experiment Several Times!
If Hypothesis NOT supported
Modify Future Hypothesis! 9

10. Scientific Theory
An attempt to explain why something happens based on observations and results from many investigations is called a scientific theory.
They are the best current explanation for something
They can change as new information is discovered
Example: the “big bang theory” 10

11. Scientific Law
A rule that describes a pattern in nature is a scientific law.
It does NOT attempt to explain why
Example: Newton’s Laws
They tell us as apple will fall to the ground when dropped but NOT why gravity exists or how it works

12. "Applying Math: Make a Data Table" p. 17
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
1997
1998
1999
"Practice Problems" p. 17
Q: Which season had the greatest difference in temperatures over the three years from 1997 through 1999?

13. "Applying Math: Make a Data Table" p. 17
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
1997
11⁰C
25⁰C
5⁰C
- 5⁰ C
1998
9⁰C
36⁰C
10⁰C
- 3⁰C
1999
30⁰C
- 2⁰C
"Practice Problems" p. 17
Q: Which season had the greatest difference in temperatures over the three years from 1997 through 1999?

14. "Applying Math: Make a Data Table" p. 17
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
1997
11⁰C
25⁰C
5⁰C
- 5⁰ C
1998
9⁰C
36⁰C
10⁰C
- 3⁰C
1999
30⁰C
- 2⁰C
"Practice Problems" p. 17
Q: Which season had the greatest difference in temperatures over the three years from 1997 through 1999?
A: Summer had the greatest difference in temperatures over the three years from 1997 through 1999 because the data shows an 11⁰C difference in temperature across these three years