1. The process of thinking scientifically
Scientific Method
The process of thinking scientifically

3. Butterfly Cup

4. Pose a Question Based on observations and facts Must be testable
Must have variables

5. Questions

6. Form a hypothesis Based off of knowledge, research, and observations
Gives a possible answer to your question
Must be testable

7. Design an experiment
Include and identify only one independent (manipulated) and one dependent (responding) variable
Independent variable is changed by the experimenter
Dependent variable responds to changes made to the independent variable
Control every other possible variable

8. Design an experiment Test multiple times
The more tests, the better the data
Measurements made using the metric system.
Meters, Liters, Grams, Second
Others must be able to replicate experiment
Log materials and procedures EVERY TIME

9. Collect data (perform experiment)
Accurately measure and record results using the METRIC system of measurement
Stay organized by using a log book or data table
Experiments that do not report the actual data are NOT valid
Most experiments will involve a graph or other way to show the results in picture form

10. Drawing Conclusions
Interpret your data and draw a conclusion based on the results of your experiment
Ask yourself if you collected enough data to draw an accurate conclusion
Does the data support your hypothesis?
How will you improve your experiment next time?
What other variables might you test?

11. Communicate your findings
Use the internet, print media and public speaking to communicate the results of your experiment
Generally, the most reliable source of knowledge will come from peer reviewed papers communicated in scientific journals
Be careful of information obtained from the internet
Wikis, blogs, and commercial websites are not always bad sources of information, but should be investigated thoroughly
The more information is communicated, the more progress we can make!