1. What is the Scientific Method? Why do we need it?

2. Communicate your Results
The Scientific Method
Recognize the problem
Form a hypothesis
Test your hypothesis
Analyze your data
Draw Conclusions
Communicate your Results

3. 1. Recognize the Problem
Identify a testable question (tests one variable) that can be investigated.
Are these questions testable or not?
How many drops of water can a penny hold?
Why do things float?
Which will fall faster, a bowling ball or feather?
Are dogs better pets than cats?
Does adding fertilizer to plants make them grow taller?

4. 2. Form a hypothesis
State your hypothesis as a predicted answer to the question, what might be a possible outcome of the investigation?
Make a prediction
Should be an “if, then” statement
Examples:
If I add ½ cup fertilizer to my plant then it will grow taller than a plant with no fertilizer.
If I drop a bowling ball and a feather at the same time then the bowling ball will fall faster.

5. 3. Test your hypothesis
Design an experiment to test your hypothesis, controlling all the variables EXCEPT the independent variable (manipulated)
Plan for repeated trials. Why?
Plan for factors that need to stay the same
List your materials needed
List your procedure
Plan a way to record data

6. 4. Analyze your data
Use tables, graphs or charts to figure out what your data means

7. 5. Draw Conclusions
Compare your results to the hypothesis you created.
Was your hypothesis right?
Or wrong?
If so, what could you change? Do differently?

8. 6. Communicate your results
Share your findings with others
Compare results and conclusions
Share with descriptions, models, or drawings

9. How do we use the Scientific Method in our daily lives?