1. The Scientific
Method

2. 1. Identify a Question
- Make sure you know what question you are trying to answer or problem you are trying to solve.

3. 2. Gather and Organize Information
Research in a library, interview someone knowledgeable about the subject, test or work in a lab or field experiment
be sure to evaluate sources and only use those that are dependable
Make sure you understand scientific illustrations or concept maps you find during research
organize your information using Venn diagrams, tables, or models
2. Gather and Organize Information

4. 3. Form a Hypothesis
hypothesis- a possible explanation based on previous knowledge and observations
you must be able to design an experiment to test the hypothesis
needs to be in the if, then, because format
- example: If you drop an egg from a height of 6 feet then it will crack because the egg shell is easily broken.

5. 4. Test the Hypothesis
Make observations and collect data and information
follow the same procedure each time you test
identify the independent and dependent variables and the controls
run experiments and change the independent variables to record the results

6. Observe items and events and record data as numbers or descriptions
qualitative data- use only words to describe an observation
quantitative data- use numbers and words to describe an observation
scientists observe, estimate, sample, and measure
5. Collect Data

7. 6. Analyze the Data
Look for patterns in the data to find the meaning of your observations and results
scientists interpret the data, classify, compare and contrast, and recognize cause and effect

8. 7. Draw Conclusions
Use inferences to explain observations or indicate a cause
apply conclusions to determine whether the data supports the hypothesis

9. 8. Communicate Share your results with others
scientists write articles in journals and magazines, or share information on the internet or in lectures