1. Scientific Method Method of scientific investigation Four MAJOR steps:
Identify a problem
Form a hypothesis
Perform an experiment
Conclusion

2. Identify a problem Phenomena that requires investigation Questions
Why?
How?
What?
When?
Where?

3. Form a Hypothesis Make observations Collect data
Research previous information
Use observations, data, research to form a
HYPOTHESIS
An educated ‘guess’ that best
answers the problem

4. Conduct an Experiment Test hypothesis by controlling variables
An experiment should test the hypothesis only
Other variables must be strictly controlled
Insures validity
Experiments must be reproducible
Independent scientists must be able to perform
the same experiment and obtain the same results
reliability

5. Conclusion Test results determine whether hypothesis was
true or not true
If hypothesis is false, redesign and rerun experiment
Hypothesis are often false
Leads to discovery of the truth

6. Theory HYPOTHESIS supported by many experiments over time
Assumed to be the explanation for phenomena
Can NEVER be proved
Can be DISPROVED with new scientific evidence