1. Steps of
the
Scientific Method

2. The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence.

3. Formulate a Hypothesis Conduct an Experiment
Scientific Method
Problem/Question
Formulate a Hypothesis
Conduct an Experiment
Collect Data (data charts,etc)
Analyze information
Communicate the Results

4. Steps of the Scientific Method
1. Problem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation.

5. Do you remember the next step?

6. Steps of the Scientific Method
2. Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to the problem or question.
Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.

7. Steps of the Scientific Method
3. Experiment: Develop and follow a procedure.
Include a detailed materials list.
The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).

8. Steps of the Scientific Method
4. Collect Data: Include tables, graphs, and photographs.
5. Analyze Information: Modify the procedure if needed.
Confirm the results by retesting.

9. Steps of the Scientific Method
6. Conclusion: Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis.
Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure.

10. Steps of the Scientific Method
7. Communicate the Results: Be prepared to present the project to an audience.
Expect questions from the audience.

11. Think you can name all six steps?
Collect and Analyze Results
Formulate a Hypothesis
Communicate the Results
Observation/Research
Problem/Question
Experiment
Conclusion

12. Let’s put our knowledge of the Scientific Method to a realistic example that includes some of the terms you’ll be needing to use and understand.

13. Problem/Question
Problem or Ask a Question: Which piece of bubble gum blows the biggest bubble?

14. Formulate a Hypothesis
Predict which piece of gum will blow the biggest bubble and why. Use an If, Then statement.

15. Note: These variables will be defined in the next few slides.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is an educated guess about the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
Note: These variables will be defined in the next few slides.

16. Do you know the difference between the independent and dependent variables?

17. Independent Variable Ex. Blowing bubble
The independent, or manipulated variable, is a factor that’s intentionally varied by the experimenter.
Ex. Blowing bubble

18. In this case, it would be the size of the bubble that is blown.
Dependent Variable
The dependent, or responding variable, is the factor that may change as a result of changes made in the independent variable.
In this case, it would be the size of the bubble that is blown.

19. Experiment
Each student writes out the procedure for their experiment along with a materials list in their journal.

20. Each student will test the bubble size 3 times.
Trials
Trials refer to replicate groups that are exposed to the same conditions in an experiment.
Each student will test the bubble size 3 times.

21. Conduct Experiment
Each student comes up with a table they can use to record their data.
Get all your materials together and begin your experiment.

22. Data Data/Observations: Gum A Gum B Trial 1 Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 2
Average: Average:
*To take an average-add up the 3 trials and divide by 3 and answer should be in cm
Variables:
Independent Variable _______ Dependent Variable ________

23. Analyze Results
Make sure your data matches your hypothesis. If not, come up with a new hypothesis and retest your experiment.

24. Communicate the Results
Share your results by report, graph or presentation.

25. Observe your
world and come
up with a question
to answer using the
Scientific Method!