The Scientific Method a series of logical steps to follow in order to solve a problem no right or wrong way, as long as it is logical usual steps Observe Question Research Hypothesize Experiment Analyze Conclude

Observe simple things you notice in nature Newton noticed things fall to the ground. Darwin noticed some creatures survive better. Fleming noticed bacteria wouldn’t grow around the mold. Carver noticed nitrogen content in the soil is higher around some legumes (peanuts).

Question decide what you want to know why do things fall? why do they survive? why won’t the bacteria grow? why is the nitrogen content higher?

Research gather everything already known commonly known information experiments done by others documented observations

Hypothesize predict an answer to your question usually and “if ______, then _____” statement “If all objects fall to earth at the same rate, then some constant force is pulling on them.”

Experiment plan a carefully controlled experiment determine your variable variable - anything that can change in an experiment a good experiment has only ONE variable document your plan document your equipment perform the experiment RECORD your detailed observations what changed? what didn’t? measurements where appropriate

Analyze organize your data create tables or graphs if appropriate does the data support your hypothesis? if yes, do the experiment again to gain further evidence if no, do the experiment again to check for mistakes still no? rethink your hypothesis

Conclude summarize what you have learned detail what your observations and data told you explain what this information means and how it supports or denies your hypothesis include ideas for new experiments to

Failure or Success? NO experiment is a failure! even if our hypothesis is proved wrong, we have still learned something discoveries from “failed” experiments North America penicillin