1. Scientific Method

2. Step 1) Problem/Research
State and identify the problem (question)
Ex: Will a new “super” fertilizer cause sunflowers to grow at a faster rate than regular fertilizer?
Research problem

3. Step 2) Formulate a Hypothesis
an educated guess or prediction about the outcome of an experiment
If….Then…because statement

4. Hypothesis Example
Ex: If I use the new “super” fertilizer on one group of sunflowers and regular fertilizer on another group, Then the group that gets the “super” fertilizer will grow at a faster rate, Because the “super” fertilizer has more nutrients

5. Variables
Independent Variable: what you change, follows the If in the hypothesis Ex: type of fertilizer
Dependent Variable: the outcome that is measured, follows the Then in the hypothesis Ex: growth of sunflowers

6. (Variables Continued)
Controlled Variables (constants): the things that stay the same between all groups in an experiment. Ex: amt. of water, sunlight, temperature

7. Step 3) Experiment Prediction is tested List all materials needed
Give a step by step set of procedures
Record the results using data tables, pictures, or observation statements

8. Groups in an Experiment:
Experimental Group – the group that gets the special treatment or test (the sunflowers who get “super” fertilizer and regular fertilizer).
Control Group – the part of an experiment that does not receive the special treatment or test (for the example you would have a group of sunflowers who only get water with no fertilizer added).

9. (Groups Continued)
Need a control group to make an experiment valid (allows for comparison to experimental group).

10. Step 4) Analysis/Conclusion
Analyze data in order to formulate a conclusion
State the results of the experiment
Accept/Reject your hypothesis (do not say that your hypothesis was correct or incorrect!)
Organize results for sharing with others