1. Notes 1.2 THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

2. Steps to the Scientific Method Make observations – Come up with a problem Make observations – Come up with a problem Create a hypothesis – Possible explanation for a question or problem that can be tested. Create a hypothesis – Possible explanation for a question or problem that can be tested. Experiment – testing a hypothesis by collecting info under controlled conditions Experiment – testing a hypothesis by collecting info under controlled conditions Collect data – Info from experiments; Use charts and graphs Collect data – Info from experiments; Use charts and graphs Draw conclusions – was your hypothesis correct. Draw conclusions – was your hypothesis correct.

3. Experimenting Controlled experiment – Test one thing and keep all other conditions the same. Controlled experiment – Test one thing and keep all other conditions the same. Example – Testing plant growth in salt water. Example – Testing plant growth in salt water. What are you testing? What would be controlled? What are you testing? What would be controlled?

4. Variables Independent variables – Condition that is changed Independent variables – Condition that is changed What’s the independent variable in our previous experiment (the growth of plants in salt water)? What’s the independent variable in our previous experiment (the growth of plants in salt water)? Presence of salt in the H20 Presence of salt in the H20 Dependent variables – what you observe or measure as a result from the change Dependent variables – what you observe or measure as a result from the change What would be the dependent variable in our experiment? What would be the dependent variable in our experiment? Growth rate of the plants Growth rate of the plants

5. It’s just a theory What is a theory? What is a theory? It’s an explanation of something that has been supported by lots of scientific evidence over a long period of time. It’s an explanation of something that has been supported by lots of scientific evidence over a long period of time. It’s a continual verification of a hypothesis. It’s a continual verification of a hypothesis.