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Steps of the Scientific Method

Understand the scientific method and learn how to conduct experiments step by step. Includes examples, definitions, and tips for analyzing and communicating results.

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Steps of the Scientific Method

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  1. Steps of the Scientific Method

  2. The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence.

  3. Scientific Method Question Formulate a Hypothesis Experiment (test hypothesis) Analyze Results Conclusion Communicate the Results

  4. Steps of the Scientific Method • Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation. -begin with how, where, when, etc. -NOT a question that can be answered by yes/no!!!!

  5. Steps of the Scientific Method • Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation. -begin with how, where, when, etc. -NOT a question that can be answered by yes/no!!!!

  6. Steps of the Scientific Method 2. Formulate a Hypothesis:Predict a possible answer to the problem or question. -IF/THEN format Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.

  7. Steps of the Scientific Method 2. Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to the problem or question. -IF/THEN format Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.

  8. Steps of the Scientific Method 3. Experiment: -Include a detailed materials list. -Include a detailed list of procedures. -Identify variables, controls & constants.

  9. Steps of the Scientific Method 3. Experiment: -Include a detailed materials list. -Include a detailed list of procedures. -Identify variables, controls & constants.

  10. Steps of the Scientific Method 4. Collect and Analyze Results: Modify the procedure if needed. Confirm the results by retesting. Include tables & graphs.

  11. Steps of the Scientific Method 4. Collect and Analyze Results: Modify the procedure if needed. Confirm the results by retesting. Include tables & graphs.

  12. Steps of the Scientific Method 5. Conclusion: Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis. Identify mean & range of data. Make recommendations for possible improvements to the experiment.

  13. Steps of the Scientific Method 5. Conclusion: Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis. Identify mean & range of data. Make recommendations for possible improvements to the experiment.

  14. Steps of the Scientific Method 6. Communicate the Results: Be prepared to present the project to an audience. Expect questions from the audience.

  15. Steps of the Scientific Method 6. Communicate the Results: Be prepared to present the project to an audience. Expect questions from the audience.

  16. Let’s put our knowledge of the Scientific Method to a realistic example that includes some of the terms you’ll be needing to use and understand.

  17. Observation Casey watches her mom plant flowers. She asks her mom what makes the flowers grow. Mom explains that it is light, soil, water, & CO2

  18. Question Casey wonders how the color of light will affect a plant’s growth.

  19. Formulate a Hypothesis Can you think of one? “If the color of light is changed, then the plant will not grow as tall. She decides to design an experiment to test if different colors of light will affect the plant’s growth.

  20. Independent Variable The independent variable is a factor that’s intentionally varied by the experimenter. On your CPS: what is the independent variable for his experiment? • Different colors of light • Amount of plant growth

  21. Dependent Variable The dependent variable is the factor being measured as a result of changes made in the independent variable. On your CPS: what is the dependent variable for his experiment? • Amount of light on the plant • Amount of plant growth

  22. Control Group In a scientific experiment, the control is the group that serves as the standard of comparison. The control group is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group, except for the variable being tested. All experiments should have a control group.

  23. Control Group What is a possible control for her experiment? What color of light are plants USUALLY exposed to? Because plants are usually in normal sunlight (white light), she will keep one plant in white light for her control group.

  24. Constants Casey needs to keep all other factors the same so that any observed changes in the plants can be attributed to the variation in light color.

  25. Can you think of some constants for this experiment?

  26. Constants They might include: Same type of plants same age of plants same amount of water same amount of soil same type/brand of soil same container…..

  27. Experiment Casey writes out her procedure for her experiment along with a materials list in her journal.

  28. Trials Trials refer to replicate groups that are exposed to the same conditions in an experiment. Casey is going to test each light variable 3 times.

  29. Collect and Analyze Results Casey comes up with a table she can use to record her data. She gets all her materials together and carries out her experiment.

  30. Sample Data Table of Growth Amount of Plant Growth (cm) Trials Control group

  31. Collect and Analyze Results Casey examines her data and notices that her control worked the best in this experiment, followed closely by yellow light.

  32. Conclusion Casey decides that her data does support her hypothesis.

  33. Communicate the Results John tells his grandmother about his findings and prepares to present his project in Science class.

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