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Scientific Method

Learn the steps of a scientific investigation: make observations, form a hypothesis, conduct experiments, collect data, draw conclusions, and understand the importance of scientific theories.

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Scientific Method

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  1. Scientific Method

  2. Standards • Describe the essential components of an investigation

  3. Senses X 5 • Make observations of an object or event using your five senses: • Sight • Hearing • Taste • Smell • Touch • Make a scientific record of your observations

  4. Problem • Think of a problem, in the form of a question, based on your observations.

  5. Research • Gather information about the problem & organize it. Find out what is already known about the problem. • This step can be simple or complex, depending on the problem & how much you already know about it.

  6. Hypothesis • An hypothesis is a possible and reasonable explanation for your observations. • It’s the answer to your question, written as a statement that explains your observations (often in the form of if____________, then_____________). • It predicts what will happen when your statement is tested.

  7. Experiment • Design a procedure to test your hypothesis. • What will you measure? • Include a control, an independent variable and a dependent variable.

  8. Control– a standard for comparison during an experiment. • Independent variable– what is manipulated during an experiment • Dependent variable– what changes during an experiment

  9. Data/Observations • Collect data & record observations during your experiment. • Organize information into charts, tables or graphs.

  10. Conclusions • Think about the results of your experiment. • What do they mean? • Accept, reject or revise your hypothesis.

  11. Theory • Once an hypothesis has been put through repeated tests by many different people, it may be accepted as theory.

  12. Theory • To a nonscientist, a theory and a hypothesis are the same thing. They are ideas that attempt to explain things. • But to a scientist, a theory is a well-tested explanation of observations or facts. A scientific theory is verified – checked and well-tested – and generally accepted as true.

  13. Theory • Saying “it’s only a theory” shows a lack of understanding of the validity of a theory. • For example, it is unlikely that you would say that gravity is “only a theory” and then proceed to step off a tall building on the assumption that you will not fall.

  14. Mnemonic • Science People Rule Here. Eagles DOCommand Them.

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