The Scientific Method

The Scientific Method

Mrs BondMrs Bond

5 Steps: Identify the Problem.Research the Problem

& Make Observations.Form a Hypothesis.Design and Experiment

to test the Hypothesis.Draw Conclusions.Share your results!

1. Identify the Problem

1. Identify the Problem

• What is your Goal?

• What is the problem that you are trying to solve?

• What is your Goal?

• What is the problem that you are trying to solve?

2. Research the Problem

2. Research the Problem

• Examine Background Information about the problem and make observations.

• Aids in Developing a Hypothesis.•Hypothesis = an educated

guess that can be tested.

• Examine Background Information about the problem and make observations.

• Aids in Developing a Hypothesis.•Hypothesis = an educated

guess that can be tested.

3. Form a Hypothesis3. Form a Hypothesis

• Make a testable Prediction about the problem or goal you are investigating.

• Compose an “If….Then….” statement.

• Keep it Simple!

• Make a testable Prediction about the problem or goal you are investigating.

• Compose an “If….Then….” statement.

• Keep it Simple!

4. Test the Hypothesis4. Test the Hypothesis

• Perform an Experiment by:•Listing Materials you will need.

•Outlining a Procedure for the experiment.

•Identifying How you will Collect Data.

• Perform an Experiment by:•Listing Materials you will need.

•Outlining a Procedure for the experiment.

•Identifying How you will Collect Data.

5. Draw Conclusions5. Draw Conclusions

• Ask yourself, “Was my hypothesis an accurate prediction?”

• Base your conclusions on your Experimental Data.

• Ask yourself, “Was my hypothesis an accurate prediction?”

• Base your conclusions on your Experimental Data.

Hypothesis, Theory, Law

Hypothesis - an educated guess that can be tested. Takes into account the preliminary data.

Theory - statement based on a significant amount of evidence and has been tested numerous times.

Ex: theory of evolution.Source: http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/hypothesis

Law - statement that has been found to be invariable (does not change) under the same conditions.

Ex: law of gravitation.