1. A way of thinking and solving problems
Scientific Method
A way of thinking and solving problems

2. What is the scientific method
A way to think about and solve problems

3. Steps in the Process State the Problem Gather Information
Form a Hypothesis
Perform the Experiment
Record and Analyze Data
State a Conclusion
Repeat and Report

4. What’s the Problem A problem typically compares Variables
Example: Does the drop height affect the bounce height of a superball?

5. What’s a Variable?
Variables are something that change in an experiment
Two types:
Independent variable
Something we pick to change in an experiment (drop height)
Dependent variable
Something that changes because of the change (bounce height)

6. Gather information BY:
Observing and Inferring
Looking up information about it
Asking other questions
Modeling and Predicting

7. Make Observations and Inferences
An observation is a visible or provable fact.
An inference is an opinion or conclusion based on the observations.

8. Identify the observations and inferences.

9. Hypothesis A possible answer to the problem that can be tested.
IF the superball is dropped from increasing heights THEN it’s bounce will also increase because the pull of gravity will increase the force.

10. Test with experiments
A step by step plan on how to test the hypothesis
Most only test one dependent variable
Most allow for data to be recorded

11. Record and analyze DATA
Look at the data collected for:
Trends
Answers
Confusing information
Summarize the information

12. Conclusion Presents the finding of the experiment
States if the hypothesis is correct or incorrect
Presents importance of experiment and findings
Gives possible ways to further test the hypothesis

13. Repeat and Report
Do the experiment again and again to eliminate mistakes and make sure findings are accurate
Share findings with other scienctists

14. Practice!