1. Scientific Method

2. Why Is the Scientific Method Important?
Helps us to answer questions
Gives logical steps
Requires supporting evidence
Others are able to repeat and critique your experiment

3. Steps of the Scientific Method
Problem / Purpose
Research / Gather Information / Observation
Hypothesis
Experiment
Analyze Data/Results
Conclusion

4. Problem / Purpose Reason for doing the experiment Why is the sky blue
Why do solid ice cubes float in water
To determine if plants grow better in artificial light or natural light
To determine if studying will increase test scores

5. Research / Observations
Gather information about the topic through your five senses and other sources
The sky is blue but sometimes it’s gray
Ice cubes are forms of solid water, they are cold and at times very light
Artificial light can come in a variety of intensities 60w 75w 100w etc.

6. hYPOTHESIS An educated prediction of the outcome
The sky is blue because it reflects the ocean
The sky is blue because martians color it with blue crayons at night
We will use the “If”, “Then” format
If I study all week long, then my test grade will improve.

7. Experiment Steps developed to test your hypothesis
Have two students of equal academic standing take the same test
Allow one student to study without allowing the other student to study
Compare the results

8. Analyze Data/Results
Examine information collected during your experiment
Restate data collected
Student A received a 95% and a 90%
Student B received a 72% and a 75%
Tests Taken
Student A
Studying
Student B
w/o Studying
Trial 1
95%
72%
Trial 2
90%
75%

9. Conclusion
Statement of whether your hypothesis was correct or incorrect based on your results
My hypothesis was correct studying increases test scores.

10. Scientific Statements
When discussing scientific information, there are three main types of statements:
Law
Theory
Hypothesis

11. Scientific Law A rule that describes behavior in nature Examples:
Hubble’s Law
Newton’s Law of Gravity
Newton’s Laws of Motion

12. Scientific Theory An explanation based on many investigations
Examples:
Big Bang Theory
Theory of Evolution
Einstein’s Theory of Relativity

13. Scientific Hypothesis
An educated prediction based on many observations
Example:
If I give plant A more water, then it will grow taller.