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The Scientific Method

The Scientific Method. What is the Scientific Method?. The scientific method is a series of steps to follow when answering a question or solving a problem. Why is it important?.

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The Scientific Method

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  1. The Scientific Method

  2. What is the Scientific Method? • The scientific method is a series of steps to follow when answering a question or solving a problem.

  3. Why is it important? • It is important to know the scientific method so that you will be able to design and perform your own science fair project.

  4. The most important thing to do with regard to the steps of the scientific method is to follow directions!!

  5. Steps of the Scientific Method • Purpose/Question • Research • Hypothesize • Experiment (Procedure and Materials) • Observe and Record • Analyze • Conclusion/Share Results

  6. Step 1: Question/Purpose/Problem • Question:“What do I want to learn more about?” or “I wonder what would happen if?” • Definition:Observe and wonder about a science topic or to explain what you want to learn from an experiment

  7. Step 2: Research • Question:What is already known about the topic? • Definition:Research to make an educated guess to answer your question.

  8. Step 3: Hypothesis (Educated Guess) • Question:What do you think will happen in the experiment? • Definition:A prediction about the outcome of an experiment.

  9. Right or Wrong • A hypothesis can be right or wrong. Always explain whether it was right or wrong in your conclusion.

  10. Step 4: Experiment • Question:How will you test the hypothesis and record the results? • Definition:A step-by-step set of directions for testing the hypothesis. • Your experiment will require: 1. Materials – things you need to do the experiment. 2. Procedure – organized steps to follow to perform the experiment

  11. Variables • Independent Variableis the variable that is changed during the experiment. Sometimes called an experimental variable. • Thecontrolof the experiment or the controlling variablesare the variables where no changes are made. It must stay the same throughout the experiment!!

  12. Responding Variable &Dependent Variable • What you measure or observe to obtain your results. • Depends on the independent variable/what you change.

  13. Step 5: Observation and Record • Question:What happened with your experiment? What data should you record? • Definition:Make careful observations and write down what happens.

  14. Types of Data • Data is information collected during a science experiment • Always record what you see happening. • Quantitative Data – uses numbers, for example measurements. Tables and graphs (bar, line, or pie graphs) are used to present your quantitative data • Qualitative Data – something you notice using your five senses

  15. Trials • Trial is another word for test. A scientist may perform several trials of an experiment to determine results.

  16. Step 6: Analyze • Question:What do the results tell about the experiment? • Definition:Organize and use your information (data) to communicate the results of your experiment and to draw conclusions. • Was your hypothesis correct?

  17. Step 7: Conclusion/Share Results • Question:Do the results support your hypothesis? • Definition:A statement that sums up what you learn. It answers your question and summarizes your experiment and results. • It must state whether your hypothesis was right or wrong.

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