1. Scientific Method Definition: Example:
A logical and organized way to solve a problem
Example:
Testing the affect of fertilizer on plants

2. Problem Definition: Example:
Some questions about the world and the occurrences in it.
Example:
How can I get my plants to grow?

3. Research/Background Definition: Example:
Searching, collecting, and studying information from a variety of sources
Example:
Reading information online, in textbooks about what helps plants grow.

4. Hypothesis Definition: Example:
A statement that can be tested as a possible explanation for a set of observations
Example:
If I put Miracle Grow on my plants, then they will grow taller

5. Observation Definition: Example: Using the senses to study a problem
Looking at the plants, touching the leaves and soil to notice differences

6. Experiment Definition: Example:
A test for the hypothesis performed under controlled conditions
Example:
10 plants set up with fertilizer in 5 plants and no fertilizer on the other 5 plants

7. Independent Variable Definition: Example:
The one and only factor that is changed or varied by the experimenter in an experiment (What “I” the scientist change)
Example:
In testing how fertilizer will affect the growth of plants, the fertilizer is the independent variable.

8. Dependent Variable Definition: Example:
The factor that responds or depends upon the independent variable (can be many)
What is being measured or observed.
Example:
When fertilizer is used, the plant will grow higher (dependent variable)

9. Control Definition: Example:
The factor that is used as a standard to which everything is compared
Example:
The plants without fertilizer

10. Constants Definition: Example:
The factors that remain the same during the experiment
Example:
Same amount of sunlight, water, soil, and temperature for all plants

11. Repeated Trials Definition: Example:
Performing the experiment numerous times or having many trial runs to vary results
Example:
Testing the fertilizer on plants multiple times

12. Data Collection Analysis
Definition:
Accurate recording of data in an organized manner (may include tables, graphs, etc.)
Example:
Create a chart to record the height of the plant after 1 month

13. Analysis & Conclusion Definition: Example:
An interpretation and summary of the results of an experiment based on the collected data
Example:
Since the plants with the fertilizer grew 4 inches taller than the plants without, the fertilizer helped the plants grow.