The Scientific Method by A.Cloutier 2011 Sandwich High School copyright The process of finding answers to the questions we have concerning the matter in our world

The Scientific Method discussed here deals with seven steps this is a process of thinking and making observations of our world

Is there only one scientific method ? No ! several versions exist and have varying number of steps However…all begin with a question to be answered based on observations of the world around us The scientific method provides an organized method for conducting an experiment and analyzing it

Steps we explore … 1. formulate a question 2. research the question 3. form a hypothesis 4. conduct an experiment 5. analyze data 6. draw conclusions 7. communicate results

Do scientist really use this method ? Yes ! Many use the scientific method daily, but, not necessarily all the steps are needed. Much time is collecting data and analyzing it

Surprisingly business use a version of the scientific method Businesses in the USA and other countries have adapted the steps in solving a problem to help employees and managers diagnose a problem and test ideas to solve it

Formulating a question What needs to be solved ? What do you want to know or explain ? Use observations you have made and write a question down that addresses the problem or topic to investigate

Research a question Research lets us know if others have already done an experiment and have data to share Sometimes expanding the concept with research have us evaluate and change a variable Ask “why should I explore this concept ?”

Hypothesis what do you expect to happen ? predict the outcome of the experiment the “if….and then….” statement “if” being the observations of the problem “then” is the hoped for results

Conduct the experiment Design a procedure to test the hypothesis see if the prediction happen Record all data and observations in a neat and organized way (graphs or tables)

Analyze the data and observations Is the data reliable Does it make sense Produce charts, graphs, or tables to organize it.

Draw conclusions Does the data and observation support the hypothesis Might it need to be changed Does the experiments procedure need to be re written

Communicate results Let others know what you have learned Make a formal LAB REPORT Could this lead to new hypothesis or questions to learn more about if so…. You are back at step one !