The Scientific Method

What is it? The scientific method is a series of steps that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems. Believe to be thought of by the Muslims in the 2 nd century. Credit is given to Roger Bacon (17 th century)

What are the steps? Question/Problem Hypothesis Test Analyze Draw Conclusions Communicate the results You make observations throughout this process.

Question Scientists ask questions that need a scientific answer. –Example: Do green eggs and ham taste different from regular eggs and ham?

Hypothesis Scientists form a possible explanation or answer to the question. An EDUCATED GUESS. –This can be done by making observations and/or by researching the problem. –Example: I think that green eggs and ham taste no different than regular eggs and ham.

Test Test the hypothesis with observations or experiments. –Example: Put green food dye in a batch of scrambled eggs. Make regular scrambled eggs. Have a group of 20 people taste both types of eggs.

Analyze the results Analyze the results of the tests. Examine the data, and look for patterns. –Example: After testing, you find that 19 out of the 20 people feel that there is no difference in taste.

Draw Conclusion You must conclude whether the results supported the hypothesis. If the hypothesis was not supported, scientists may repeat the investigation to check for errors or ask new questions and form a new hypothesis.

Draw Conclusion Example: –My hypothesis was supported because the group that was tested revealed that there was no taste difference. –Or: My hypothesis was NOT supported because the group that was tested revealed that there was taste difference.

Communicate the Results When the investigation is over, scientists communicate their results. Scientists share what they have learned so that other people may repeat the investigation to see if they get the same results. Science depends on the sharing of information.