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Page 1: Scientific Method Scientific Method – Process of critical thinking that uses observations and experiments to investigate testable predictions about the

Scientific Method

Scientific Method – Process of critical thinking that uses observations and experiments to investigate testable predictions about the physical universe.

Steps of the Scientific Method:

1. Observations and question2. Hypothesize3. Experiment4. Observe and record data5. Analyze and form conclusions6. Share results

Page 2: Scientific Method Scientific Method – Process of critical thinking that uses observations and experiments to investigate testable predictions about the

Make Observations

Observations- Noticing objects or events using the five senses.

We use our senses to make observations.SmellSightTouchTasteHearing

Page 3: Scientific Method Scientific Method – Process of critical thinking that uses observations and experiments to investigate testable predictions about the

Form a Hypothesis Based on Observations and Questions

Hypothesis- A testable explanation for observations and questions about the physical universe.

When forming a hypothesis use the format.

If ___________________ then __________________

*A hypothesis should be able to be tested.

Page 4: Scientific Method Scientific Method – Process of critical thinking that uses observations and experiments to investigate testable predictions about the

Develop an experiment to test your hypothesis.

Experiment- A test using observations and controlled variables to discover answers to questions, and/or to check a hypothesis.

A successful experiment must include…An Independent variable – a factor that is intentionally

changed throughout the experiment. (such as weight, temperature, etc.) Changing

A Dependent variable – a factor that changes depending on the independent variable and can be measured. (what happens as weight changes, or temperature changes) Depends on

A Control- Is the standard that the researcher compares the data too. (what happens when no weight is added or subtracted, or the temperature doesn’t change) Standard

A Constant – factors in an experiment that stay the same. Same

Page 5: Scientific Method Scientific Method – Process of critical thinking that uses observations and experiments to investigate testable predictions about the

During an Experiment You follow a Procedure.

Procedure- An ordered series of steps followed to help answer a question.

You will observe and record Data.Data- Information, measurements and materials

gathered from observations that are used to help answer questions.

Data can be either quantitative or qualitative.

Page 6: Scientific Method Scientific Method – Process of critical thinking that uses observations and experiments to investigate testable predictions about the

Analyze the Data to form Conclusions

When data is quantitative a graph or diagram can be used to see if the data is accurate or precise. Accuracy – all of the data is “close” to each other. Precision – the data is “close” to your goal.

Possible outcomes:

Your data is Precise and Accurate (the data supports your hypothesis)

Your data is Precise but not Accurate (there is not enough data to support your hypothesis)

Your data is Accurate but not Precise (while this might disprove your hypothesis it may point you to another possible hypothesis)

Your data is not Accurate or Precise (Something may have went wrong in your experiment)

Page 7: Scientific Method Scientific Method – Process of critical thinking that uses observations and experiments to investigate testable predictions about the

Analyze the Data to form Conclusions

When data is qualitative the information is not usually numerical, so it is up for interpretation.Interpret – explain the meaning of what you

observed using your own words.

*In an experiment qualitative data might be observing a reaction ex: smoke, something blowing up etc.

Possible outcomes:

Your data disproves your Hypothesis. (Supports)

Your data fails to disprove your hypothesis (Doesn’t Support)


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