1. It is a process scientists use to solve a problem
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
It is a process scientists use to solve a problem

2. Ask a question based on observations
Step 1- Identify the Problem
Ask a question based on observations
Always in the form of a question
What is the effect of ____ on ____?
Should be specific and testable

3. Step 2- Research
Gather information about the problem and for the experiment
Determine what your variables will be
Dependent Variable – The response that is observed and measured in the experiment
Independent Variable – What is manipulated, or changed in the experiment
Control – What is kept the same or constant

4. Example 1: What are the variables in this investigation?
Students of different ages were given the same jigsaw puzzle to put together. They were timed to see how long it took to finish the puzzle.
What is the independent?
What is the dependent?
What is the control?

5. Answers
Independent Variable - Different ages were tested by the scientist
Dependent Variable - The time it took to put the puzzle together was observed and measured by the scientist
Control - All of the participants were tested with the same puzzle.
It would not have been a fair test if some had a 30 piece puzzle and some had a 500
piece puzzle.

6. Example 2: What are the variables in this investigation?
Students placed the same type of plants in locations with different amounts of light. They measured the height of each plant over several weeks.
What is the independent?
What is the dependent?
What is the control?

7. Answers
Independent Variable – Different amounts of light were tested by the scientist
Dependent Variable - The height of each plant over time was observed and measured by the scientist
Control – The type of plant used.
It would not have been a fair test if we compared a tree to a flower.

8. Step 3- Hypothesis Predicts the results of the experiment
Based on research
In the form of an if-then statement
Must be testable
Ex: If you provide more water the plant will get taller.

9. Design and plan an investigation to test the hypothesis
Step 4- Lab Investigation
Design and plan an investigation to test the hypothesis
List all materials and procedures
Should be specific so anyone can repeat the experiment
Experiment must have at least three trials

10. Record all observations, measurements, and results of the experiment
Step 5- Collecting Data
Record all observations, measurements, and results of the experiment
Collect qualitative and quantitative
Qualitative – Observed with your senses
Quantitative – Measured, counted, numbers

11. Step 6- Analyze Data Does the data support the hypothesis?
Create a chart or graph
Bar Graph – compares different groups of data
Pie Chart – shows percentages of a whole
Line Graph – shows change over time

12. Summarize the outcome of the experiment
Step 7- Conclusion
Summarize the outcome of the experiment
Scientists share their findings so others can try their experiments and test their conclusions.
If something went wrong in your experiment, how could you do it better next time?