1. Introduction to Science
A way of learning about the natural world is called science.

2. Steps to Scientific Inquiry or Scientific Method
State the problem or ask a question.
Research information.
Form a hypothesis using IF and THEN statement.
Design and carry out an experiment.
Record and interpret data.
Draw a conclusion.

3. Will fertilizer help tomato plants grow?
State the problem.
Will fertilizer help tomato plants grow?

4. Research information Go to the library.
Ask a resource person (college, greenhouse, gardener, etc.)
Research on the internet.
Read magazines, books, etc.

5. If fertilizer is added to the soil, then the plant will grow taller.
Form a hypothesis.
If fertilizer is added to the soil, then the plant will grow taller.

6. Design and carry out an experiment.
Manipulated variable (independent variable)-variable that is being changed.
Responding variable (dependent variable) –variable that changes due to the manipulated variable.

7. Controlled experiment
An experiment in which all variables are kept constant except one.
Examples: sunlight, soil, water, size of containers, depth of seeds, type of fertilizer, amount of fertilizer, temperature, etc.

8. Collect data.
May be written observations or numbers. Metric is always used in science.

9. Interpret Data
Look for patterns or trends. (Ex: the rate of growth; the end results; the average growth, etc.)

10. Draw Conclusions
Was your hypothesis supported or not? Your hypothesis does not always have to be right.