1. An approach to problem solving
Scientific Method
An approach to problem solving

2. The results of one experiment help guide the next experiment
What is the SM?
A set of steps that scientist use to answer a question or solve a problem
It is an ongoing cycle
The results of one experiment help guide the next experiment

3. What are the steps to the SM?
Observations
Ask Questions
Form a Hypothesis
Test Hypothesis
Analyze Data
Communicate Results

4. 1. Make Observations Use your five senses Record your observations See
Hear
Touch
Taste
Smell
Record your observations

5. 2. Ask Questions Your questions come from your observations
Ask questions about what is unusual or doesn’t fit

6. 3. Form a Hypothesis
A proposed solution or answer to a question or problem
Based on previous knowledge
Must be able to be tested
If you can’t test it, it’s not a hypothesis
NOT a guess!

7. 4. Test your Hypothesis Design an experiment to test your hypothesis
Record what you do
Record your data in a data table

8. 5. Analyze Results Graph your data
Does your data support your hypothesis? Why or why not?

9. 6. Communicate Results
This step is very important – and the step that many students have the hardest time with!
See Lab Report Format
Let’s take a look at RUN…