1. The Scientific Method

2. Scientific Method
A step by step process where a scientist investigates a question by observing and performing experiments.

3. Steps in the Scientific Method
Observation
Inference
Hypothesis
Controlled Experiment
Data/Conclusion
Retest and Report your Findings

4. Observation and Inference
Through observation, you formulate a question that you are trying to answer.
For example:
My car won’t start. Why?
Inferences can be made using information you already know through books, past experiences, etc.
My car is out of gas.

5. Hypothesis
This is what you think the answer to your question is based on the information that you have gathered.

6. Controlled Experiment
Only tests a single factor in the experiment
Has a control group
Has a manipulated (aka independent) variable and a responding (aka dependent) variable

7. Data/Conclusion The results of the experiment is your data
It may be in charts, graphs, or written work
This is what happened in the experiment
In the conclusion, you answer the question you asked at the beginning of the experiment
You also state if your hypothesis was correct or not

8. Retest and Report Retest the hypothesis numerous times
Report your findings so other scientists can learn from your experiments

9. Hypothesis vs Theory vs Law
Hypothesis an inference about why something happens based on some data
Theory in-depth explanation of why something happens based on lots of data and accepted by the scientific community
Law statement about something that happens that is universally accepted as being true