2. Scientific Method Ms. Maldonado 4 th grade Science

3. Scientific Method The scientific method is an organized plan for gathering, organizing, and communicating information. The goal of any scientific method is to solve a problem or to better understand an observed event. Scientist perform experiments to test their hypothesis.

4. Scientific Method Problem/Question Research Formulate a Hypothesis Experiment Collect and Analyze Results Conclusion Communicate the Results

5. Steps of the Scientific Method

6. Making a Question After evaluating your observations, ask a question. What do you want to find out? State the problem as a question. Make the question as specific as possible.

7. Research Make observations and research your topic of interest.

8. Hypothesis Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to the problem or question. A hypothesis is an educated guess at the possible answer to the question.

9. Experiment Develop and follow a procedure. Include a detailed materials list. The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).

10. Collect and Analyze data/Results Modify the procedure if needed. Confirm the results by retesting. Include tables, graphs, and photographs.

11. Collect and Analyze Data Evaluate – Do you see any trends or patterns in the data? Do the data support your hypothesis or prediction? Do you need more information?

12. Draw Conclusion: Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis. Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure.

13. Drawing a Conclusion State your conclusion based on your data. Your data should either support your conclusion or lead you to another hypothesis. Have any new questions or problems come up?. Step_Five__Draw_a_Conclusion

14. Communicate the Results: Be prepared to present the project to an audience. Expect questions from the audience.

15. Presentation of Data Information obtain from observation can be presented in a variety of forms to make it easier for the viewer to obtain facts quickly. Graphs and charts present are some ways to organize and present data.

16. Observation 1. Observation – is information you obtain with your senses. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel? What do you taste? observation

17. What you see The most direct way to gain knowledge about something in nature is to observe it. Your ability to observe can be extended by using tools such as microscopes, telescopes, thermometers, and rulers.

18. What you smell Many times scientists can identify the presence of a chemical, bacteria, or plant by its scent.

19. Can you identify the smell in the containers?

20. Touch and Feel Texture –rough or smooth

21. Taste Determining concentration through taste

22. What do you hear? Scientist record sounds of animals to determine how species communicate with each other. Sounds

23. Components of an Experiment Variable – in an experiment any factor that can change is called a variable. Manipulated Variable – the variable that causes a change in another. Responding Variable – the variable that changes in response to the manipulated variable. Control Experiment – has two test groups- the control group and the experimental group. The control group is the standard by which any change can be measured.

24. Vocabulary Constant – The factors that are kept the same. Variable – The factor that is changed by the person doing the experiment Investigative tools

25. Researching an Experiment List the materials necessary to conduct the experiment Design the steps and procedures for the experiment. Design how data will be collected.