1. The Process of Gathering Information
Scientific Method
The Process of Gathering Information

2. The Process
All Scientists use a 5 step process in order to gather information called the Scientific Method.

3. Step 1 Gather information about the Problem Sometimes called Research
State the Problem or Purpose
(or Ask the Question)
Usually in the form of a question
Gather information about the Problem
Sometimes called Research

4. Observation
Observations produce Inferences

5. Inferences Based on your observations
You may be tempted to conclude that something “causes” something to happen
But you are never sure.
Remember that not everything can be observed.
You may need to test to be sure.
Definition- a possible explanation that is based on an observation you have made.

8. Step 2
Form a Hypothesis
An educated guess as to “why” something will happen in an experiment.
Usually in the form of an “If”, “Then”, “because” statement.
Forms the basis of a testable experiment.

9. Prediction
An educated guess about what will happen during an experiment.
Usually in an “If”, “then” statement

10. Step 3
Experiment
Test the hypothesis

11. Experimental Group- The group in the experiment that is receiving the experimental treatment
Used to compare the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable in the experimental group.

12. Control Group- (often called the control) the group in an experiment that does not have the “experimental treatment”.
It does not contain what is being tested

13. Variables
A variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in an experiment.
Things that can be changed.
3 types
Controlled
Independent
Dependent

14. Control
The variables that are the same in both the control group and the experimental group.
see control group

15. Independent Variable The 1 thing that is changed by the scientist.
I is for “I change”
What you are testing the effect of…
The fertilizer in the tomato plant analogy

16. Dependent variable What is being measured in the experiment.
D is for “Data Measured”
The size of the tomato in the tomato plant analogy

17. Step 4 Data –Information gathered in the experiment
Collect Results from the experiment

18. Step 5 Analysis and Conclusion What does the data tell you.
In the conclusion you determine, based on your results, if your hypothesis is true or false.

19. Repeat Your Work
Repeating all the 5 steps of the Scientific Method to see if you come up with the same results.
In order for a hypothesis to be accepted as fact, good scientist will repeat their experiment many times (100’s of time)

20. Summary of Scientific Method
1. State the Problem, ask a Question
2. Hypothesis
3. Experiment
4. Data
5. Analysis/Conclusion