Steps of the Scientific Method

The Scientific Method is a process that is used to find answers to questions about the world around us.

Gathering Information Forming a Hypothesis Scientific Method Stating the Problem Gathering Information Forming a Hypothesis Creating and Performing an Experiment Recording and Analyzing Results Stating a Conclusion Repeating the work & Communicate the Results

Steps of the Scientific Method Stating The Problem: The problem is stated in the form of a question. What do I want to find out? How does _____ affect _____?

Steps of the Scientific Method 2. Gathering Information: Where can you find the answer to the question? Books, ask experts, Internet, research, observe

Steps of the Scientific Method 3. Forming a Hypothesis: Educated Guess A statement of an idea that is based on known facts and can be tested. Written in the form of an If/Then statement. Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.

Steps of the Scientific Method 4. Creating and Performing an Experiment: List materials. Create a step-by-step procedure detailing everything you will do. Follow procedure, collecting data as you go.

Steps of the Scientific Method 5. Recording and Analyzing Data: All observations and measurements from the experiment are written down. Information is transferred into a chart and graph. Graph is titled, labeled, and numbered.

Steps of the Scientific Method 6. Stating a Conclusion: Review data and determine whether or not you were successful. What happened? Was it what you expected? Was your hypothesis correct or not? What might you change next time? How might you word your hypothesis differently?

Steps of the Scientific Method 7. Repeating the Work & Communicating the Results: Do the process again to make sure you were thorough. Make any changes necessary due to your experience.