1. The Scientific Method scientific method noun
:principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses

2. I’m going to be late.....AGAIN!
The Problem:
I’m going to be late.....AGAIN!
problem noun
: a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution
Example: You go to leave for school in the morning and your car won’t start

3. Observations & Background Research
observation noun
: an act of recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence
research noun
:the collecting of information about a particular subject
Hi Mr. Beardsley! I’m having car trouble. My car won’t start and the lights won’t come on either

4. Hypothesis
hypothesis noun
: an educated guess
The Battery is Dead

5. WEAR GOGGLES! BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID!
Experiment
experiment noun
: an operation or procedure carried out under controlled conditions in order to test a hypothesis
WEAR GOGGLES! BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID!

6. Collect Data Make more observations data noun
: factual information such as measurements
Make more observations
Are my lights coming on? Is the engine turning over?

7. Only test one
variable at a time!

8. The independent (or manipulated) variable is something that the experimenter purposely changes or varies over the course of the investigation. The dependent (or responding) variable is the one that is observed and likely changes in response to the independent variable.

9. Draw Conclusions
conclusion noun
: a reasoned judgment or inference

10. Theory
theory noun
: a scientifically accepted general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena or a scientific model
If a hypothesis is tested repeatedly and experimentation always leads to the same conclusion, a theory may be developed.

11. When a theory can be proven with no doubts
Law
law noun
: a statement of an order or relation of phenomena that so far as is known is invariable
When a theory can be proven with no doubts

13. The Scientific Method
The Oxford English Dictionary says that scientific method is: "a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.
The scientific method starts with the need to answer a question, so we ask that needed question.
In order to start to get the answer, we need to do some background research about the question or problem for which we are seeking an answer. This research might be done in the library, in textbooks or most frequently on the internet. Search engines like Google are available on nearly every browser.
From the background information acquired, we then propose a hypothesis which is a reasonable assumption of the answer to our problem.
The next step is to test our hypothesis or assumption with experimentation. We run some tests and collect the data from the tests.
We next examine the data collected. This is often done by using spreadsheets of data and drawing graphs to allow us to draw conclusions from the data collected.
If the data proves our hypothesis to be true, then we report the results. If the data indicated that the hypothesis is false or only partly true, we may want to rethink our hypothesis and try again with further experimental testing.

14. Standards for Technological Literacy Standard 8: Attributes of Design
The engineering design process includes
Defining a problem,
Brainstorming,
Researching and generating ideas,
Identifying criteria and specifying constraints,
Exploring possibilities,
Selecting an approach,
Developing a design proposal,
Making a model or prototype,
Testing and evaluating the design using specifications,
Refining the design,
Creating or making it, and
Communicating processes and results
NOTE: The process is iterative and different steps are revisited as necessary in order to arrive at a solution.
The engineering design process is a bit different. It takes one or more of the proven hypotheses from the scientific method and seeks to build it into something useful for the benefit of mankind. The The engineering design process includes
Defining a problem,
Brainstorming,
Researching and generating ideas,
Identifying criteria and specifying constraints,
Exploring possibilities,
Selecting an approach,
Developing a design proposal,
Making a model or prototype,
Testing and evaluating the design using specifications,
Refining the design,
Creating or making it, and
Communicating processes and results
NOTE: The process is iterative and different steps are revisited as necessary in order to arrive at a solution.
International Technology Education Association (ITEA). (2000). Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology. Reston, VA: Author.

15. NASA Model of Engineering Design Process
This process can be placed in graphic form as illustrated here. These steps include:
Identify the problem
Identify Criteria and Constraints
Brainstorm Possible solutions
Generate Ideas
Explore Possibilities
Select an Approach
Build a Model or Prototype
Refine the Design
Repeat the cycle if needed.

16. Tufts University Example of Engineering Design Process
The process repetition is illustrated more precisely in this Engineering Design Process Diagram prepared by Tufts University.