1. Lecture 1.3: Scientific Method
8th Grade Science
Ms. McKinley

2. What is the Scientific Method?
The process that scientists use to solve real-world problems or answer real-world questions.

3. Steps in the Scientific Method
Observation/Problem
Steps in the Scientific Method
Ask a Question
Form a Hypothesis
Test the Hypothesis
Analyze Results/ Draw Conclusion

4. Scientific Questions MUST be TESTABLE
This means you should be able to design an experiment that would help to answer the question.

5. YOU decide: Which ones are “TESTABLE”?
Which brand of skateboard is better?
Which brand of skateboard is the strongest?
Should I paint my bike?
What happens when you leave a bike in the rain?
Which brand of cleaner works best?
Which kind of plant food makes plants grow the most?
Which exercise program will help me lose the most weight?
Why do dogs bark?
Why do babies cry?
What types of objects fly?

6. Form a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is your answer to a scientific question.
An explanation that can be tested w/ a scientific experiment
Cue brain

7. Testing your Hypothesis
Must be a fair test!!
The scientist should only change one factor (item or thing) at a time while keeping all other conditions the same.
Variable
any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types
Constants (also called controls)
Any factor the scientist wants to remain constant (unchanged) throughout the experiment
Factor = something that can change our results

8. 2 Types of Variables Independent Variable (IV):
The one factor that is changed by the scientist
EXAMPLE: The type of paper used
Dependent Variable (DV):
The factor that the scientist measures or observes
EXAMPLE: The distance each plane flew