1. SCIENTIFIC METHOD AIM #4. Describe the process of the scientific method and the skills scientists use

2. *The term Scientific Method comes from the definition of science as "knowledge" and the Greek word methodos, meaning "pursuit" or "going after."

3. WHY DO WE USE THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD? Because it… (A) Is a way to obtain information. (Data) (B) Is logical. (C) Uses problem solving skills in an orderly manner.

4. HOW DO WE USE THE S.M.? 1. Define the problem by making observations. 2. Form a hypothesis. "An Educated Guess" 3. Do an experiment. Make observations – NOT INFERENCES!

5. CONTINUED… 4. Analyze data. 5. Draw conclusions. (Answer hypothesis) 6. Communicate results.(Report) After many studies we found that…

6. WHAT NEXT? If your experiment is CONSISTENTLY TRUE 7. Theory – set of related hypotheses that have been tested and confirmed by many scientists. Example: Cell Theory

7. HOW DO WE DESIGN AN EXPERIMENT?? Experiment - an organized procedure or method to test a hypothesis. All experiments MUST HAVE: Control - a standard for comparison No variable (Ex. plain water) Constants - factors that do not vary (do not change) in an experiment. They must remain the same. (Ex. brand, height....)

8. WHAT ARE OUR VARIABLES? Independent variable - factor changed by the experimenter (the factor tested) - a good experiment tests one variable. Dependent variable - factor that depends on the value of the independent variable (a result measured)

9. HOW DO I REMEMBER ALL OF THIS?!