1. The scientific method TEKS 7.2A, B, C, D, E,
The student will be able to plan and implement well defined question, design and implement and experiment, make observations, create a testable hypothesis, collect and record data, construct graphs and tables, and analyze data to communicate conclusions.

2. Scientific Method
Problem/Question Do Background Research Hypothesis Materials/Procedure Test with Experiment Analyze Results Draw Conclusion
Resources
Science Buddies
Introduction to the Scientific Method
The Scientific Method
Brain Pop Movie
Activity Page
FYI
Q&A

3. Ask a Question
Scientific method starts by asking a question about an observation: How, What, When, Who, Which, Why, or Where?
Question must be about something that can be measured, preferably with a number.
Resources
What is a testable Question?

4. Do Background Research
Use the library and Internet to research the best procedure to follow and make sure you don't repeat mistakes from other scientists.
Resources
Gale Cengage Learning
News Bank Science + Technology
Research Central
Fact Monster

5. Make Your Own Hypothesis A hypothesis is an educated guess
Needs to be in an "If _____[I do this] _____, then _____[this]_____ will happen." format.
State your hypothesis in a way that you can easily measure.
Your hypothesis should be constructed to help you answer the original question.
Make Your Own

6. Materials/Procedure
Supplies and equipment needed to perform your experiment?
Write the experimental procedure detailed and complete allowing someone else to duplicate the experiment exactly!
Repeating the science experiment is an important step to verify that your results are consistent and not just an accident.
plan to repeat the experiment at least three times (more is better).
If you are doing an experiment that involves testing or surveying different groups, you need to test or survey a large number of participants to insure that your results are reliable.
Variable Review

7. Test with Experiment Make a cartoon
Get a notebook to record all of your observations during your experiment.
Make a data table so you can quickly write down your measurements as you observe them.
Follow experimental procedure exactly. If you need to make changes (which often happens), write them down exactly as you made them.
Be consistent, careful, and accurate when you take your measurements.
Draw or take pictures of your experiment to refer to later.
Make a cartoon

8. Analyze Results
Once you finish the experiment collect your measurements and analyze them to see if your hypothesis is true or false.
Hypothesis are often false, then construct a new hypothesis and start the entire process of the scientific method over again.
If the hypothesis was true, it may still need to be tested again in a new way.
Click on the graph and create one of your own!!

9. Draw Conclusion
The conclusion summarize your results- does it support or contradict your original hypothesis:
Should be written in a few sentences. Include key facts from your research to help explain your results.
State whether your results support or contradict your hypothesis.
State the relationship between the independent and dependent variable.
Summarize and evaluate your experiment, comment about its success and effectiveness.
Suggest changes in the experimental procedure and/or possibilities for further study.

11. http://www. sciencebuddies