1. Scientific
Method

2. Pre-Thinking… List the steps of the Scientific method in order
on your paper

3. What is Science?
The knowledge obtained by observing natural events and conditions in order to discover facts and formulate laws or principles that can be verified or tested.

4. Scientific
Method
Steps

5. Step # 1 Question What do you want to know?
Must be narrowed enough to be tested.

6. Step # 2: Research Write down all the information you already know.
Do research in books on the subject you are investigating.
Ask a professional on the subject you are researching.
If you find an answer to your problem/question you do not need to move on.

7. Step # 3: Form a Hypothesis
An educated guess that is based on prior scientific research or observations that can be tested.
“If, Then, Because”
statement.

8. Step # 4: Experiment Testing a hypothesis
Develop a test to prove or disprove your hypothesis.
Must be run several times
Must have only 1 independent variable.
Must include a control and experimental group.

9. Step # 4: Experiment 2. Parts of an experiment
Use a controlled experiment
An experiment that tests only one factor at a time by using a comparison of a control group and experimental group.
Control Group
The group that the scientists changes NOTHING in.
Experimental Group
The group that the scientist always changes something. It is the variable in the experiment.

10. Step # 4: Experiment
3. Variables : The factor that is compared from one group to another.
Independent Variable
What is CHANGED in an experiment.
Dependent Variable
What is MEASURED in an experiment.

11. Step # 4: Experiment 4. Constants:
What the scientist kept the SAME in both the control group and experimental group.

12. Step # 5: Analyze Data Make observations
Any use of the senses to gather information.
Qualitative Observations
Anything you can see, taste, smell, touch or hear.
Ex. Blue, bitter, fizzing sound.
Quantitative Observations
Any observation that can be measured
Must include a number
Ex. 5 cm long

13. Step # 5: Analyze Data 2. Record Data
Any observations and measurements
Be accurate when you are checking your experiments and recording the results. No estimating unless told to do so!
Create tables or charts to collect data
Create graphs from collected data.

14. Step # 6: Conclusions Communicate your results What to include:
Restate the question
What was your hypothesis?
Do your results/data support your hypothesis? Why or why not?
What are ways you can improve your data?
What would you do differently if you were to repeat the experiment?