1. Scientific Method A systematic method of attacking problems.
Does not have to be just for science; we each have made hundreds of decisions this morning and hopefully used a systematic method to arrive at your decision. If you did not make your decision in a systematic way then you are taking life by chance.
What is the first step to the Scientific Method?

2. Observation
Scientist use their senses to gather information by observing a phenomenon or natural event.
We begin to question why something is happening.
What is the next step in the Scientific Method?

3. Form a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for what is observed. An educated guess after observations have occurred. A hypothesis must be testable.
What is the next step in the Scientific Method?

4. Hypothesis
Hypothesis should be stated in the form of “IF” and “THEN” statements.

5. Making Predictions
Using our observations and hypothesis we then begin to make predictions what might be the outcome of our testing.
What is the next step in the Scientific Method?

6. Experimentation
A series of procedures are designed to test a hypothesis. Scientist develop a design of experiment to test the hypothesis.
Independent variable is the factor changed in the experiment.
Dependent variable is the factor that is measured in the experiment.

7. Experimentation A test group is exposed to the independent variable
A control group goes through all aspects of the experiment but is not exposed to the experimental variables.
Data is the results collected from the experiment.
What is the next step in the Scientific Method?

8. Draw Conclusions
From our experiment we analyze data we collect and form a conclusion. We cannot say whether our hypothesis is right or wrong only that the data either supports or rejects our hypothesis. Only after many trials can we get enough data to begin to really trust our conclusions.

9. Five steps to Scientific Method
Observation that leads us to ask a question.
Form a hypothesis in the if then form.
Making predictions based on our observations questions, and hypothesis.
Experimentation or testing the hypothesis.
Drawing conclusions.

10. Ping Pong Ball Challenge
Get into groups of three
Need two cups and a ping pong ball
Must transfer the ping pong ball from one cup to the other cup without touching the ball, using tools, or dumping the ball out of the cup.
Must as a group use the scientific method to come up with hypothesis’ to test written in if then statements.
Must not talk to other groups or share with upcoming classes.

11. In groups of two design steps using the scientific method to determine why a car will not start. Be prepared to walk the class step by step through your example.