1. The Scientific Method

2. What is Science? A way to answer questions and solve problems
How we understand the world around us
A way or process used to investigate what is happening around us
It provides possible answers

3. The Scientific Method
The only scientific way accepted to back up a theory or idea.
The method on which all research projects should be based.
Used by researchers to support or disprove a theory.
A process for solving a problem, rather than a series of exact steps.

4. The Scientific Method State the problem or question
Form a testable hypothesis
Design an experimentation
Collect and analyze data
Draw conclusion
Communicate results

5. Let’s Review! Observation- You observe something
in the material world, using your senses
or machines which are basically
extensions of those senses.
AH—Look at this!

6. Types of observations
Qualitative observations – observations on the quality of a material, such as color and texture
Quantitative observations – observations involving measurement, such as length, height, and mass

7. Qualitative or Quantitative?
Round
Mass of 50 grams
Purple coating
Slippery
heavy

8. The Scientific Method State the problem or question-
Careful observations lead to a good
question.
Leads to research and the
formation of a hypothesis

9. The Scientific Method Form a testable hypothesis-
Predicts what you think the answer to your question might be
Reflects research on your question
Stated in an if….then….. because format

10. The Scientific Method Design an experiment -
You figure out a way to test whether your
hypothesis is correct. The outcome must be
measureable. (quantifiable)
Materials are listed
Procedure/steps are explained
Data is created

11. The Scientific Method Collect and analyze data -
Data collected is organized into tables and graphs

12. The Scientific Method Draw conclusions - From the data determine
whether or not your results
support the hypothesis
Was your hypothesis correct or not?

13. The Scientific Method Communicate results –
Tell others your results with an
oral or written report