2. The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence.

3. We shall take a closer look at these steps and the terminology you will need to understand before you start a science project.

4. Question Formulate a Hypothesis Experiment Observe and Record Analyze Results Share the Results

5. Steps of the Scientific Method Question 1. Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation. Ask yourself, “What do I want to learn? Or “I wonder what would happen if…”

6. Steps of the Scientific Method Formulate a Hypothesis 2. Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to the problem or question. Make a guess and then answer… Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.

7. Do you remember the next step?

8. Steps of the Scientific Method Experiment 3. Experiment : Test your hypothesis by conducting an experiment.

9. Steps of the Scientific Method Observe and Record 4. Observe and Record: Make careful observations and write down what happens.

10. Steps of the Scientific Method Analyze Results 5. Analyze Results: Use your information to draw conclusions about your experiment. Was your hypothesis correct?

11. Steps of the Scientific Method Share the Results 6. Share the Results: Present your experiment, observations, and conclusions with others.

12. Do you think you can name all six steps? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV8lSmIo4Ac

13. Variables Variables: A factor in an experiment or scientific test that tends to vary, or take on different values, while other elements or conditions remain constant.

14. Independent Variable The independent variable, or manipulated variable, is a factor that the experimenter intentionally changes.

15. Dependent Variable The dependent variable, or responding variable, is the factor that may or may not change due to manipulation. (The dependent variable is always the response or reaction to the independent variable).

16. How to Form a Hypothesis Using Variables If…. Independent variable Then…dependent variable Example: Independent Variable: I feed my cat a lot Dependent Variable: she will get fat *Remember….try to use INCREASE and DECREASE in your hypothesis! Example: IF I increase the amount of food I give my cat, THEN she will increase her weight.

17. Do you know the difference between independent and dependent variables now?

18. Control In a scientific experiment, a control is the variables that are not being studied that are held constant so they do not influence the experimental outcome. (For example, environmental conditions).

19. Can you think of some constants for an experiment?

20. Qualitative Observation This is describable. (Example: how something looks, feels, smells, tastes, sounds, etc.)

21. Quantitative Observation This is measurable. Examples: degrees, feet, numbers

22. Methods of Science Rap Science is my thing today. When you do science –here’s the way: First ask QUESTIONS –why or how? Then HYPOTHESIZE –do it now! EXPERIMENTATION is next in line. You get results that are so fine! OBSERVE & RECORD as you go –all the details that you need to know. ANALYZING DATA comes up next. Then SHARE your data, to show it best!