1. Scientific investigations

2.  Question/problem –What do you want to know  Hypothesis- logical prediction for the question or problem  Variables- Factors that can change in an investigation  Independent-(Cause) the factor that is purposely made different by the experimenter to see what happens.  Dependent- (Effect) The factor that is measured to see how the independent variable changes the outcome.  Constant- variables that are kept the same for the experiment.  Data- All observations and measurements made in the investigation

3.  Define a problem  Form a Hypothesis- prediction of what will happen in the investigation  Plan an investigation  Experiment- the plan on how to test the problem  Identify Variables  Collecting Data- recorded and properly organized  Interpreting Data- use logical reasoning backed up with the evidence gained  Drawing Conclusions- Says whether the hypothesis was supported, refuted, or inconclusive. Most conclusions raise questions that must be further tested.

4.  Supporting evidence is well documented  Variables are controlled as much as possible  Experiments are repeated multiple times by the original investigator  Investigations are replicated by other scientists  Before publishing a study, Other scientists review the article. (Peer Review)

5.  Most reliable:  Scientific Journals  Books published by scientists about their field of study.  Internet sources such as:  Government or Academic webpages  Unreliable  Commercial internet sources  Blogs by non-scientists  Non-peer reviewed sources