...and the Scientific Method Science... ...and the Scientific Method

Science is a process used to learn about the natural world What is Science? Science is a process used to learn about the natural world Scientists learn more about the world around us by performing scientific investigations.

Steps in a Scientific Investigation When scientists ask questions, they follow steps to search for an answer. The search is called a scientific investigation.

Step One: Asking a Question Scientists ask different kinds of questions. Many of these questions begin with the words: WHAT, HOW, WHEN, WHERE and WHY

Step Two: Making a Hypothesis Once you have decided on a question you want to answer, you need to come up with a hypothesis. Trees sprout leaves in the spring when they get at least 12 hours of daylight. A hypothesis is a smart guess about the answer to a question.

Step Three: Planning the Investigation Different science investigations require different tools and equipment. You must decide how to gather evidence to answer your scientific question.

Step Four: Collecting and Recording Data Once you have a plan in place, you must gather and record information to test your hypothesis. Every investigation gives you information. The pieces of information collected in an investigation are called data.

Step Five: Organizing Data Making graphs and tables helps you understand the information that has been gathered. Looking for patterns can give you new information.

Step Six: Explaining Results Scientists examine the organized data to figure out what the results mean. A conclusion tells what an investigation showed you. The conclusion must be based on your observations and the data you collected. Apples grow from the flowers on an apple tree.

Step Seven: Thinking of New Questions The results of one experiment can lead a scientist to think of new questions.

Step Eight: Sharing Results One person’s discoveries can lead to new discoveries by other people. But this can only happen if people share their results. You can share your results by giving an oral report, writing a report, or posting your report on the Internet.

The Steps...one more time! Steps What Is It Asking a Question asking what, how, when, where or why Making a Hypothesis making a smart guess about the answer to a question Planning the Investigation deciding how to gather evidence to answer the question Collecting and Recording Data gathering and recording information to test a hypothesis Organizing Data making graphs and tables to understand the information that has been gathered Explaining Results figuring out what the information means Thinking of New Questions using new information that you gathered to identify new questions Sharing Results sharing your information with other investigators