1. The Scientific Method
Know these 6 steps!

2. Step 1: Identify the problem
A problem is just something that piques your interest
Example: my i-pod quits working
In your journal, draw the box on the left!
PROBLEM:
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3. Step 2: Research (make observations)
What do you already know about the problem? What do you need to find out?
Quantitative (QN) observations: facts with numbers
Qualitative (QL) observations: facts without numbers
Inferences: logical guesses based on observations
RESEARCH (OBSERVATIONS):
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Example: I don’t hear any sound coming from my i-pod. The screen is not lighting up on my i-pod.

4. Step 3: Make a hypothesis
This is known as an “educated guess” because you have done research on your problem and so the answer has some facts behind it.
Hypotheses can change over time as scientists do more research and discover new information.
Example: My i-pod isn’t working because the battery needs to be charged.
HYPOTHESIS:
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5. Step 4: Perform an experiment
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An experiment is used to test the hypothesis that was formed in step 3. In a controlled experiment, only one variable is changed.
Materials: what do you need to conduct the experiment
Procedure: what are the steps you need to take to conduct the experiment
Example: I am going to plug the charger into my i-pod, wait 30 minutes, and then see if it works.

6. Step 5: Analyze the Data DATA (analyze):
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Data should be written in a table, with the independent variable in the left column and dependent variable(s) in the right hand column(s)
If appropriate, data should then be shown in a chart or graph (line graph, pie chart, etc.)
Example:
Battery Charged
i-pod functioning?
30 min
yes

7. Step 6: Conclusion
Was your hypothesis correct?
What did you find?
If your hypothesis was correct, restate it in the conclusion.
If your hypothesis was incorrect, state that the hypothesis was rejected by the data.
Example: In my experiment I found that my i-pod’s battery needed to be charged in order for the i-pod to work again.
CONCLUSION:
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