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Scientific Method. What is the Scientific Method?. A series of steps that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems. Step 1 : Ask a Question. Asking a question helps focus an investigation. “Which is heavier?”. Step 2: Research.
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What is the Scientific Method? • A series of steps that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems
Step 1 : Ask a Question • Asking a question helps focus an investigation. • “Which is heavier?”
Step 2: Research • In order to test a hypothesis scientist gather data on their question. • “I know for a fact that feathers are very light.”
Step 3: Form a hypothesis • A hypothesis is a possible explanation, or answer to a question. • “I think gold is heavier.”
Step 4: Experiment • To test a hypothesis scientist conduct a controlled experiment. • “I will weigh each item on a triple beam balance.”
Make Observations • Scientist look at the results from their experiments and record the data. • “I see that a cubic cm of gold is heavier than a cubic cm of feathers.”
Keeping Good Records • Scientists keep very detailed records for many reasons. • Prevent opinions for interfering 2. Keep notes for future experiments 3. Communicate with future scientists
Step 5: Draw Conclusions • After analyzing their results, scientists decide if there results support their hypothesis. • If the hypothesis is wrong, the scientis will change the hypothesis and repeat the experiment.
The Scientific Method • Question • Research • Hypothesis • Experiment • Conclusions
The Scientific Method in Action • Question: • Which will bounce higher, a bouncy ball or a rubber band ball?
The Scientific Method in Action • Research • Which feels softer? • Which is heavier • Which is more rubbery?
The Scientific Method in Action • Hypothesis • I think the _________________ will bounce higher.
The Scientific Method in Action • Experiment • How will I test this hypothesis?
The Scientific Method in Action • Conclusion • Which bounced higher? • Was my hypothesis correct?