1. The Scientific Method

2. What is the Scientific Method??
A series of steps used to answer questions about the world around us…
1. Problem
2. Hypothesis
3. Experiment
4. Data
5. Results
6. Conclusion
7. Repeat R/R

3. 1. State the Problem/Question
Based on observations
MUST be scientific, NOT an opinion

4. Example Problem/Question
Why is my houseplant not growing?

5. 2. Form a Hypothesis Possible explanation that is based on facts
MUST be an IF…THEN statement
Try to answer the question you asked in STEP 1.

6. Example Hypothesis
IF the houseplant is exposed to more sun, THEN it will grow.

7. 3. Conduct your Experiment
Test of your hypothesis
Parts of an experiment:
Independent: The variable that is tested by the scientist.
Dependent: The Variable that is measured as a result of a change in the independent variable.

8. Parts of an experiment:
Constant: a factor that does not change when other factors do.
Control: standard of measure

9. 4. Record Your Data Gathered evidence recorded during your experiment
Quantitative
n* = NUMBERS
7 days or 3 feet
Qualitative
l* = LETTERS
Greener or taller

10. 5. Results
Summary of the data
Can be graphs, charts or sentences

11. 6. Draw Conclusions What did you learn from doing the experiment?
Analyze results

12. 7. Revise/Redo or Repeat Reject hypothesis: Accept hypothesis:
Revise hypothesis and redo the experiment
Accept hypothesis:
Repeat experiment to make sure you get the same results
Why?

13. Theory vs. Law Theory: can be tested Law: Proven fact of nature
Ex. Spontaneous Generation
Law: Proven fact of nature
Ex. Gravity