1. Scientific Method

2. What is Science Based on the study of nature and the physical world
Must eliminate bias = cannot include feelings
Can be done poorly, so scientists ”check” the work of others in a process called peer review
Develops theories
A scientific theory is an explanation of nature supported by many observations and experiments over time
Not a wild guess
Involves ethics (morals)
Uses the metric system (SI units = meters, grams, liters)

3. The Method
Organized way of completing research to try and solve a problem or answer a question
Step One = identify a problem
Step Two = background information
Step Three = hypothesis
Step Four = experiment
Step Five = analysis/conclusion

4. Step One: Identify the problem
Ask a question
Why is this experiment needed?

5. Step 2: Background Information
What do I already know
What have other scientists discovered
Make observations
Draw inferences – explanations
General ideas

6. Step 3: Hypothesis Predicted outcome Example: Must be testable
Can be wrong
Example:
If – then – because statements
If I change the amount of water I provide this plant, then it will not grow as tall as the others, because plants need water to grow.

7. Step 4: Experiment design an investigation Materials = list all needed
Procedure = numbered list of steps
Controls and variables
Things the scientist manipulates to cause a change
Allows for information to be collected
Tables graphs, diagrams
Quantitative data = numbers
Qualitative data = descriptions and observations

8. Step 5: Analysis/Conclusion
Interpret your results and explain them
Answer your question
Share results with others (publish them)