1. Steps of
the
Scientific Method

2. The Scientific Method involves basic steps that scientists follow in uncovering facts and solving scientific problems

3. Formulate a Hypothesis Design an Experiment Record and Analyze Data
Scientific Method
Ask a Question
Formulate a Hypothesis
Design an Experiment
Record and Analyze Data
Draw Conclusion
Communicate Findings
Further Inquiry

4. Steps of the Scientific Method
Ask a Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation and is measureable.
Ex. Does the temperature of soil affect a plant’s growth?

5. 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 because heat gives the plant more energy to grow.

6. Variables
To write a proper hypothesis, we must first identify the variables in our experiment
Variables are any part of the experiment that can be changed, controlled, or manipulated.
The three different variables are
Independent
Dependent
Control/constant

7. Independent Variable Changed by you or the scientist
This is the CAUSE in a cause/effect relationship
Can only have 1 per experiment
It ensures for a fair test
It is graphed on the x-axis

8. Dependent Variable
Part of the experiment that you or the scientist measures or observes
It is the EFFECT in a cause/effect relationship
Changes due to the independent variable
Graphed on the y-axis

9. Control Variable
Remains constant to make it a fair test

10. Do you remember the next step?

11. Steps of the Scientific Method
Experiment: Develop a detailed, numbered procedure that is easy to follow
No long sentences.
Include a materials list.

12. Steps of the Scientific Method
4. Record and Analyze Data: Record what happened or changed during the experiment.
Include tables, sketches, and photographs.

13. Steps of the Scientific Method
5. Draw Conclusion
Summarize the experiment
Restate the hypothesis and tell if it was supported or rejected
Give evidence/data and account for experimental error
Answer the testable question

14. Steps of the Scientific Method
6. Communicate the Results: Be prepared to share the experiment in some way.
Graph, chart, powerpoint, posterboard

15. Steps of the Scientific Method
7. Further Inquiry:
Come up with a new testable question to perform more experiments of a similar nature

16. Think you can name all seven steps?
Formulate a Hypothesis
Experiment
Further Inquiry
Collect and Analyze Data
Communicate the Results
Ask a Question
Conclusion

17. 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.

18. She explains that yeast releases a gas as it feeds on sugar.
Problem/Question
John watches his grandmother bake bread. He asks his grandmother what makes the bread rise.
She explains that yeast releases a gas as it feeds on sugar.

19. Ask a Question
John wonders, “Will the amount of sugar used in the recipe affect the size of the bread loaf?”

20. Formulate a Hypothesis
If more sugar is added, then the bread will rise higher.

21. Experiment
His teacher helps him come up with a procedure and list of needed materials.

22. Experiment
John writes out his procedure for his experiment along with a materials list in his journal. He has both of these checked by his teacher where she checks for any safety concerns.

23. Collect and Analyze Results
John comes up with a table he can use to record his data.
John gets all his materials together and carries out his experiment.

24. Size of Baked Bread (LxWxH) cm3
Size of Bread Loaf (cm3)
Trials
Amt. of Sugar (g.) 1 2 3
Average
Size (cm3) 25
768
744
761
758 50
1296
1188
1260
100
1080
1116
250
672
576
588
612
500
432
504
360
Control group

25. Collect and Analyze Results
John examines his data and notices that his control worked the best in this experiment, but not significantly better than 100g. of sugar.

26. Conclusion
John concludes his data does not support his hypothesis, but decides to re-test using sugar amounts between 50g. and 100g.

27. Communicate the Results
John tells his grandmother about his findings and prepares to present his project in Science class.

28. Further Inquiry
John decides to test this same hypothesis in regards to the amount of sugar on the size of brownies.