1. ...and the Scientific Method
Science...
...and the Scientific Method

2. Science is a process used to learn about the natural world
What is Science?
Science is a process used to learn about the natural world
Scientists learn more about the world around us by performing scientific investigations.

3. Steps in a Scientific Investigation
When scientists ask questions, they follow steps to search for an answer. The search is called a scientific investigation.

4. Step One: Asking a Question
Scientists ask different kinds of questions. Many of these questions begin with the words:
WHAT, HOW, WHEN, WHERE and WHY

5. Step Two: Making a Hypothesis
Once you have decided on a question you want to answer, you need to come up with a hypothesis.
Trees sprout leaves in the spring when they get at least 12 hours of daylight.
A hypothesis is a smart guess about the answer to a question.

6. Step Three: Planning the Investigation
Different science investigations require different tools and equipment.
You must decide how to gather evidence to answer your scientific question.

7. Step Four: Collecting and Recording Data
Once you have a plan in place, you must gather and record information to test your hypothesis.
Every investigation gives you information. The pieces of information collected in an investigation are called data.

8. Step Five: Organizing Data
Making graphs and tables helps you understand the information that has been gathered.
Looking for patterns can give you new information.

9. Step Six: Explaining Results
Scientists examine the organized data to figure out what the results mean.
A conclusion tells what an investigation showed you. The conclusion must be based on your observations and the data you collected.
Apples grow from the flowers on an apple tree.

10. Step Seven: Thinking of New Questions
The results of one experiment can lead a scientist to think of new questions.

11. Step Eight: Sharing Results
One person’s discoveries can lead to new discoveries by other people. But this can only happen if people share their results.
You can share your results by giving an oral report, writing a report, or posting your report on the Internet.

12. The Steps...one more time! Steps What Is It Asking a Question
asking what, how, when, where or why
Making a Hypothesis
making a smart guess about the answer to a question
Planning the Investigation
deciding how to gather evidence to answer the question
Collecting and Recording Data
gathering and recording information to test a hypothesis
Organizing Data
making graphs and tables to understand the information that has been gathered
Explaining Results
figuring out what the information means
Thinking of New Questions
using new information that you gathered to identify new questions
Sharing Results
sharing your information with other investigators