1. 7 Steps of Scientific Method
By:
Eric Cortez and
Alex Shaw 1

2. State the Problem Describe the problem you’re facing
The best way to do this is to state it as a question 2

3. Example:
Which surface will require the most force to move an object on? 3

4. Gather Information on the Problem
Using the internet or a library, research the problem 4

5. Example Friction is a force that opposes movement between 2 surfaces
The force and the surfaces’ textures determine how much friction occurs.
Different surfaces generate different amounts of friction 5

6. Form a Hypothesis Think of an idea about what’s going to happen
Remember to use the “if…then” format when coming up with a hypothesis 6

7. Example:
If an object is pushed across a smooth surface, then the force will be less than when the object is pushed across a rough surface 7

8. Design and Perform the Experiment
Come up with an experiment that you think will help you solve your problem
List the materials you’ll need
List the steps you need to take
After that, do the experiment 8

9. Example: Materials Rope Box Spring scale Tile floor Rug Asphalt Steps
Attach spring scale to rope
Attach rope to box
Pull box across surface
Record the data
Repeat 9

10. Record and Analyze the Data
Write down the information that you got and study the data 10

11. Example: 1.3 1.2 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.6 Recording Analyzing
Pushing the box across a smooth surface was quite easy (like a tile floor)
It was harder to push the box across a rough surface (like a rug or asphalt)
Trial 1
Tile
1.3
Trial 2
Trial 3
1.2
Rug
1.6
Asphalt
1.5
1.5
1.6 11

12. Form a Conclusion
State the solution to the problem 12

13. Example:
Rougher surfaces cause it to be harder to move objects across them 13

14. Repeat Repeat Repeat Perform everything you just did again and again
Do this to ensure that the first experiment wasn’t just a fluke 14

15. Example:
We’ll repeat the experiment a few more times just to make sure we got the right answers 15

16. THE END 16