Steps to the Scientific Method Freshman Biology

Scientific Method Disclaimer: -There are many versions to the scientific method that scientists have changed, altered, and or modified for their own purposes. -We are going to use a basic 5-step method for freshman lab activities and reporting in biology class. -The 5-step method may be altered depending upon the lab activity and reporting we are conducting.

1. Identify the Problem -What are you as a scientist wanting to find out by conducting an experiment. -This is your question you want answered. Example: Why do plants grow better in the summer months?

2. Develop a Hypothesis -A hypothesis is an educated guess to your problem you are trying to find out. -You develop a hypothesis before you run the experiment. -Hypothesis’s can be found valid or invalid…that’s OK! They can be re-stated within the conclusions of the lab report. Example: If plants are exposed to longer amounts of sunlight, then they will grow better that plants that are not exposed to longer amounts of sunlight.

3. Experimental Procedure -Materials List -Step-by-step experimental procedure for the lab activity.

4. Data Collection -Data Table -Graph

5. Analysis & Conclusions -What was the point of running this lab experiment? What were you trying to find out? -Analyze the data you collected from the experiment. (This is a narrative that explains your data.) -Does your data validate or invalidate your hypothesis? Explain. -Is a new hypothesis warranted? If so, what is it? -Were there any significant errors that might have skewed your data? Explain. -What would you do different next time to improve the experiment in order to obtain better results?