1. The Scientific Method
Intro Movie: Scientific Method (18 min)

2. Scientific Method
The scientific method is a systematic approach to problem solving.
There are seven steps:
State the Problem
Gather Information (Research)
Create a Hypothesis
Perform the Experiment
Collect & Analyze Data
State the Conclusion
Repeat the Work

3. The Scientific Method State the Problem Gather Information
What is it that you are going to attempt to solve?
Always written as a question with a ? at the end of the statement!!!
Gather Information
Research all information available on your problem.
Create a Hypothesis
Using your information collected make an educated guess as to what you think, believe or feel the final outcome will be.

4. The Scientific Method 4. Perform the Experiment
A good experiment will only test or change ONE factor – variable.
Independent Variable – The factor being changed, manipulated.
Dependent Variable – What happens, responds, because of the factor you changed.
Control - The factor remaining unchanged.
Used to compare the outcome of the variable to.

5. The Scientific Method 5. Collect and Analyze Data
Observations or measurements collected throughout the experiment.
Observation – factual information collected using one of your five senses.
Peter is wearing a jacket. (sight)
Inference – An educated guess based on an observation.
Peter is wearing a jacket because he is cold.

6. The Scientific Method 6. State Conclusion 7. Repeat Work
Was your hypothesis right or wrong?
What did you learn or find out?
Final thoughts and possible changes to the experiment.
7. Repeat Work
Can you produce the same results through another round of testing/experimenting?