1. Scientific Method The Scientific Method is a series of steps, a process you follow to answer a question or solve a problem

2. 1. Problem
Do you have a problem you need to figure out? a. Must be written in the form of a question b. Must be specific

3. 2. form a Hypothesis
a. Your hypothesis is an educated guess or possible solution to the problem. b. Written as an “If ___, then ___” statement. EX: If you stay up late, then____ c. Based on facts & ideas gathered from observations, research, etc.

4. 3. Materials
a. list of equipment needed to perform the experiment b. must be detailed: specific size of the tool total amount of the substances

5. 4. Experiment (Procedure) (Test the hypothesis)
List steps to test the hypothesis
b. May only test one hypothesis at a time
c. Contains two groups
1. Control group- comparison group; does
NOT contain the variable being tested
2. Experimental group- contains the
variable being tested (your dependent variable)

6. 5. Data in the form of tables and graphs
your observations made during the experiment
Look for patterns!

7. 6. Draw a Conclusion
states if your hypothesis was correct or incorrect
If incorrect:
Identify what can be done differently next time
Form a new hypothesis
b. All experiments need to be repeated many times
1. the more times repeated, the more accurate the results
c. Report your results

8. Practice Identifying Variables:
Remember! Your hypothesis can TELL you what your variables are!
Ex. If I drink Mountain Dew before bed, then I will not sleep very much.
IV: Drinking Mountain Dew
DV: the amount of sleep

9. Use this hypothesis to identify the variables:
If I leave all the lights on during the day,
then my electric bill will be expensive
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

10. IV and DV worksheet