1. of the scientific method,
Learning Target:
I can name the steps
of the scientific method,
in order.

2. Scientific Method
The series of steps that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems.

3. Scientific Method Many different types of scientific methods
We will focus on a 5 step method

4. Scientific Method STEP 1: State the PROBLEM STEP 2: Form a HYPOTHESIS
STEP 3: EXPERIMENT
STEP 4: RECORD/ANALYZE data
STEP 5: Draw CONCLUSIONS

5. STEP 1: State the Problem
In this step, you figure out that there is a need to solve some problem.
The problem that needs to be solved is clearly stated.

6. STEP 2: Form a Hypothesis
This is an “educated guess” of what you expect the outcome to be.
“If...then” statement
“If I slap the meter stick on the countertop, then students will be startled”

7. STEP 3: Experiment This is where you TEST your hypothesis.
Design an experiment to try to prove your hypothesis.

8. EXPERIMENTING A CONTROLLED experiment tests only ONE factor at a time.
It has a CONTROL group and one or more EXPERIMENTAL groups.
A CONTROL is a standard used for comparison.
All the factors for the control and experimental groups are the SAME except for ONE FACTOR, which is called the VARIABLE.

9. EXPERIMENTING
An INDEPENDENT VARIABLE is the one factor that you CHANGE in an experiment
A DEPENDENT VARIABLE is the factor, or variable that will be measured in the experiment.
Independent: How many times you water a plant.
Dependent: Growth of a plant.
The dependent variable DEPENDS on the independent variable...duh!

10. STEP 4: Record/Analyze data
Look at the results of your experiment.
Write down, video tape, etc. the results.
After all data is collected, look at it and see if it supports your hypothesis.
Figure out what you did right and figure out what you did wrong.
How could you make the experiment more valid?

11. STEP 5: Draw Conclusions
A conclusion is a statement based on what is observed.
This is where you decide whether or not you proved your hypothesis.
Communicate your results with others.
End of notes...

12. FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT! If I don't feed the goldfish, then it will die.
1. What is the independent variable?
2. What is the dependent variable?
3. Name the 5 steps of the scientific method, in order.