Process Skills and Safety Tips The Scientific Method Process Skills and Safety Tips

What is the Scientific Method? A Scientists way of solving problems by investigating and answering questions. It helps scientists explain how things work in the natural world.

Steps Step 1: Make observations. Step 2: State the problem or ask a question. Step 3: Make a hypothesis. Step 4: Test the hypothesis. Step 5: Collect and analyze data. Step 6: State the conclusion.

Step 1: Make Observations Use your five senses to view the worlds. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you feel? What do you smell? What do you taste? Caution: Taste will rarely be used. Why?

Step 2: What is the problem? Ask a question. What is it that you are trying to figure out?

Step 3: Make a hypothesis Answer your question with a guess. A hypothesis can either be right or wrong. It does not matter. Your correct or incorrect answer will lead to more questions.

Step 4: Test the Hypothesis Identify and control variables. Variable – factors that are changed or not changed in an experiment. Controlled variable – stays the same Independent variable – changes Dependent variable - result Design the experiment by writing a step-by-step procedure. What are you going to do to answer the questions? What materials do you need? How do you test your hypothesis? Note: An investigation to test your hypothesis is called an experiment.

Step 5: Collect and Analyze Data Create charts and graphs. Take pictures.

Step 6: State the Conclusion Write out your findings (result) in sentences. Can be a paragraph or more. State what you found when you performed your test. State whether or not your hypothesis was correct or incorrect. State what other questions you have.

How do scientists complete the scientific method? The scientific method is not always done in order, however, they do make sure other scientists can repeat the test. Scientists use process skills and safety to completed the scientific method.

Process Skills Observe Classify Measure Communicate Infer Predict

Classify Sort objects, ideas, events into categories. Size, texture, color, mass, weight, and so on. Classification activity

Measure Observe the quantity of something. How much? Scientists use the metric system of measurement. Scientist usually measure time, volume, temperature, mass, and length.

Communicate Summarize data into a form that is easy to read and understand. Graphs, charts, tables, make models, use numbers

Infer To form an opinion or idea from facts and observations. Drawing a conclusion.

Predict Forecast the future Telling something will happen before it does.

Scientist Safety Enter the room or lab area calmly. Listen to, and follow, all directions carefully. Do not put anything into your mouth unless otherwise directed. Keep work area clean. Take care of equipment. Use equipment properly. Wear safety goggles and/or other safety wear. Report all accidents. (for example: something breaks) Know the location of first aid and fire safety equipment. Clean up a spill immediately. Pay attention to warning labels.

Treat living things, the environment, and each other with respect. Most Importantly… Treat living things, the environment, and each other with respect.

SCIENCE AWAITS YOU!!! LET’S EXPLORE!!