Definitions that you will need : 1 st Word (1) --Observation: to use the senses to gather information. This means all your senses—sight, smell, hear, touch, & taste (but we do not use this very often in a science lab)

More words for your list: Scientific Method Control Independent variable Hypothesis Scientific data Prediction Experiment Dependent variable Conclusion Fact

What does the Scientific Method do for you? Allows you to think like a scientist! This is important to help you understand and get your home- work done. If you are using science thinking then you will automatically ask questions and then explore to find the answers.

How do we observe? With all five senses—seeing, smelling, touching, tasting, and hearing.

Our observations help us to: Find the answers and come up with a 5 th word--Hypothesis— this is an educated guess

What is a prediction? (7 th word) A statement or claim that a particular event will occur in the future. Many predictions do not come true. Some are based on what people consider facts but others are simply a person’s opinion.

So what is the definition of Scientific Method? (2 nd word) A step by step process that scientists have developed to help them solve problems and test new ideas. The steps are:Glue in your sheet 1. Define the problem/ask a question. 2. Gather information/research. 3. Develop a hypothesis. 4. Do an experiment. 5. Observe and analyze the data collected. 6. State a conclusion.

Is your 1 st hypothesis always correct? Nope—not always --that’s alright—try again.

The parts of an experiment: 2 nd word-Control: This is the part of the experiment that you do not change. It has nothing done to it so you can be sure that your independent variable is actually making a difference. 4 th word-independent variable: This is the factor that the scientist is in charge of. You decide what it is. It is the factor that may change the results of your experiment.

Remember with independent variable: This is the factor in your experiment that YOU control. Therefore– the *dependent variable( 9 th word) results and or observations will depend upon the independent variable. *Dependent variable-the variable whose results will depend upon the independent variable. Example—if I decide to add 100 ml of water as the independent variable, my results would not be the same as if I decide to add 200 ml of water for an experiment that is timing how long it took for the water in the container to completely change to water vapor—keep in mind that the temperature has been preset for me and was part of my instructions.

To keep the variables straight: Independent variable—What I change Dependent variable—What I observe Controlled variables—What I keep the same and has no variable. You need to memorize the differences in the variables.

What exactly is an experiment— this is your 8 th word. Experiment: A method of investigating casual relationships among variables.

During, and at the end of your experiment you will: Collect scientific data-(6 th word): This is information-often in numbers that you will observe from your experiment. It can be observations of changes of color or smell or make bubbles, etc.

The Conclusion -10 th word You have looked at your data and analyzed it. Often you will have a graph or a table of information that will lead you to see the results which are also often called the *conclusion. *It is the answer to your question from your data and experiment; The findings of your experiment.

What are facts—11 th word A statement that can be checked and confirmed— often can be proven again. Do facts ever change? Sometimes-----but--- Only when new information is discovered to prove the old fact wrong. Most facts stay the same.

So—there are all your words that relate to the Scientific Method. Be sure you memorize the steps because you WILL see this used all through your science education.

1. Create a question. 2. Do your background research. 3. Form a hypothesis 4. Test the hypothesis with an experiment 5. Record and analyze your data. 6. State your conclusion Accept or reject your hypothesis Repeat the experiment. Remember the scientific method steps: