2. What is the scientific method? 1) It is a simple method scientists use to conduct an investigation. 2) It is a way to ask & answer scientific questions by asking questions & conducting experiments.

3. I. Question/Problem Ask a question about something observed. –Why? –How? –What? Question to be solved. Must be about something measurable.

4. Examples of Problems (must be measurable) Does the amount of sunlight a plant gets affect how it grows? Does caffeine affect reaction time in middle school students? Which disinfectant works the best on household germs?

5. These Are Not Testable Questions Is Eli Manning the best quarterback of all time? Does water smell good? Will the school be open tomorrow? You cannot answer these questions with an experiment. Opinion questions are not testable.

6. II. Hypothesis Educated guess about how things work. Prediction Use If, then statements –If ____ [I do this], then _____ [this will happen] Focus on one variable only. A variable is something that changes.

7. Examples “If we fertilize the tomato plants, they will produce more tomatoes.” “If caffeine is increased in someone’s body, then their reaction time will be quicker”

8. III. Experiment Tests your hypothesis. Is it accepted (right) or rejected (wrong) ? Change only one variable at a time. Use a control or control group ( A group that has nothing done to it. Standard used for comparison in an experiment.) In order for results to be valid, conduct several tests.

9. III. Experiment Record your data

10. IV. Data Analysis Reduce the data –Average (Mean) Graph –Graph the data to look for trends & relationships.

11. V. Conclusion Summary of your experiment. After your experiment, analyze your data to see if your hypothesis was accepted or rejected. If hypothesis is rejected, g ive possible reasons for the difference between your hypothesis and the experimental results.

12. They Might Be Giants http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kf51 FpBuXQ

13. MYTHBUSTERS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpTSA _25wGE