1. The Scientific Method

2. The scientific method has 7 main steps.
Do you know what they are?

3. Step 1: Define the problem.
Ask a question, and then research your topic.

4. Step 2: Collect information.
A good place to start is How, When, Where, Who, Which, and/or Why.

5. Step 3: Make a hypothesis.
The hypothesis is your best guess or solution to the problem based on the information you have collected.
Ex.: If I make a change to X, then Y will change because ______________.

6. Step 4: Record your procedure.
Make a step by step plan of your experiment.
Why is this important?

7. Step 5: Test your hypothesis.
Only change one independent variable in each experiment. Repeat experiment many times (at least 3 in class).
Independent variable: a variable you control.
Dependent variable: a variable you measure.

8. Step 6: Make observations.
Observe closely and record data. Make detailed notes.
Organize and evaluate your data.

9. Step 7: Draw a conclusion.
What did you find? Was your hypothesis correct?
Summarize your experiment.
Share your findings.