1. The Scientific Method
a series of logical steps to follow in order to solve a problem
no right or wrong way, as long as it is logical
usual steps
Observe
Question
Research
Hypothesize
Experiment
Analyze
Conclude

2. Observe simple things you notice in nature
Newton noticed things fall to the ground.
Darwin noticed some creatures survive better.
Fleming noticed bacteria wouldn’t grow around the mold.
Carver noticed nitrogen content in the soil is higher around some legumes (peanuts).

3. Question decide what you want to know why do things fall?
why do they survive?
why won’t the bacteria grow?
why is the nitrogen content higher?

4. Research gather everything already known commonly known information
experiments done by others
documented observations

5. Hypothesize predict an answer to your question
usually and “if ______, then _____” statement
“If all objects fall to earth at the same rate, then some constant force is pulling on them.”

6. Experiment plan a carefully controlled experiment
determine your variable
variable - anything that can change in an experiment
a good experiment has only ONE variable
document your plan
document your equipment
perform the experiment
RECORD your detailed observations
what changed? what didn’t?
measurements where appropriate

7. Analyze organize your data create tables or graphs if appropriate
does the data support your hypothesis?
if yes, do the experiment again to gain further evidence
if no, do the experiment again to check for mistakes
still no? rethink your hypothesis

8. Conclude summarize what you have learned
detail what your observations and data told you
explain what this information means and how it supports or denies your hypothesis
include ideas for new experiments to

9. Failure or Success? NO experiment is a failure!
even if our hypothesis is proved wrong, we have still learned something
discoveries from “failed” experiments
North America
penicillin