1. The Scientific Method

2. What is the Scientific Method? A scientific guide to problem solving.

3. There are 7 steps in the Scientific Method. (some science teachers may use a different number of steps)

4. 1. State the question/problem

5. 2. Gather information

6. 3. Form a hypothesis

7. 4. Test the hypothesis (experiment)

8. 5. Observe

9. 6. Record and study data

10. 7. Conclusion

11. Definitions Hypothesis - an educated guess Variable - things in an experiment that can change Control - things in an experiment that must stay the same

12. Observation - an act or instance of viewing or noting a fact or occurrence for some scientific purpose using one’s senses. –Sight –Touch –Smell –Taste –Hear

13. Let's say I have a problem: My car won't start. How would I use the scientific method to solve this problem? Problem: My car won’t start. Gather information: Open up the hood and have a look. Hypothesis: If I put gas in my car, it will start. Test the Hypothesis: First, I will call my friend Bill and ask for a ride to the gas station. Buy gas container. After paying for the gasoline, I will get a ride back to my car and put the gasoline in the tank. Once the gasoline is in the tank, I will attempt to restart the car. Observe: The car started on the first try. (touch, sight, hear) Study and Record Data: (your mind collects data) Conclusion: When I put gas in my car, it started.