1. Problem Solving in Science
The Scientific Method

2. Step One: Observation Science starts with Making an Observation
Example: “I wonder why my car won’t start.”
Science Example: “I wonder what would happen if I put the plant in the closet.”

3. Step 2: Research
Doing research before a project helps make sure no one has done it before
Getting background knowledge - Learn about what you are going to be doing
Think of some reasons for your observation or ways you could solve the problem

4. Step 3: Predictions What do you think will happen?
Example: My car won’t start because the battery is dead.
Science Example: If I put the plant in the closet, then it’s going to die.

5. Predictions = Hypothesis
Hypothesis - fancy way to write your prediction in science
2 parts
If [tell what you are going to do]
- example “If I put the plant in the closet”
2. Then [tell what you think is going to happen] - example - “then it’s going to die”…
“If I put the plant in the closet, then it’s going to die.”
“If I get a new battery for my car, then it will start.”

6. Step 4: Test it (Procedure)
Follow steps to see if your prediction is right
Scientists make very detailed steps so other people could follow them too

7. Step 5: Observe and Record Results
Use data tables and charts to record what happened
Car example: Did your car start with a new battery? “The car didn’t start”
Science example: Did the plant in the closet die? “The plant died.”

8. Step 6: Make a conclusion
Tell if your prediction was right or wrong - use your results to support it
Being wrong is NOT a bad thing - lots of great discoveries have been made when something “went wrong”
If your prediction was not correct, scientists begin the process again and try to learn something else

9. Conclusions #2
Car example: The new battery didn’t make the car start. What else can I do to make it start?
It needs a new starter.
The ignition is bad
Science example: The plant die when it didn’t have sunlight. So plants need sunlight in order to survive. -
HYPOTHESIS IS SUPPORTED - other scientists will test and see if you are still correct.

10. Scientific Method Flow Chart