Natural Events

The The Scientific MethodScientific Method The scientific method is a process of investigating natural The scientific method is a process of investigating natural

events through a series of detailed steps.events through a series of detailed steps. Investigations may lead to the discovery of new and reliable information.Investigations may lead to the discovery of new and reliable information.

A familiar phrase related to the scientific method is “critical A familiar phrase related to the scientific method is “critical thinking”.thinking”.

Identify Problems /Ask QuestionsIdentify Problems /Ask Questions Problems need to be solved.Problems need to be solved. Questions need to be answered.Questions need to be answered. The scientific method begins by The scientific method begins by

observing problems and asking observing problems and asking questions.questions. Yes, the scientific method has often led Yes, the scientific method has often led

to new problems and/or more questions.to new problems and/or more questions. Technology and the application of the Technology and the application of the

scientific method have always been a scientific method have always been a partnership.partnership. For example, the development of more For example, the development of more

powerful microscopes have allowed powerful microscopes have allowed scientist to answer bigger questions scientist to answer bigger questions about smaller things. about smaller things.

Research the Research the Problem/QuestionProblem/Question

You are probably not the You are probably not the only person to have this only person to have this problem or question.problem or question.

Check all current Check all current references.references. Information can come from a Information can come from a

variety of areas, like written variety of areas, like written resources or expert resources or expert interviews.interviews.

Research may lead to Research may lead to revisions in your original revisions in your original thinking.thinking.

Form a HypothesisForm a Hypothesis Coming up with a solution to a Coming up with a solution to a

problem or an answer to a problem or an answer to a question is called “forming a question is called “forming a hypothesis”.hypothesis”. A hypothesis is also considered A hypothesis is also considered

to be an educated guess.to be an educated guess. Educated guesses allow for Educated guesses allow for

predictions to be made about the predictions to be made about the hypothesis.hypothesis.

A good hypothesis can be A good hypothesis can be tested.tested.

TestingTesting An experiment is the controlled process An experiment is the controlled process

of testing predictions based on a of testing predictions based on a hypothesis.hypothesis.

All of the conditions or situations that All of the conditions or situations that affect the experiment are called affect the experiment are called variablesvariables..

Variables that are not changed are Variables that are not changed are controlled variablescontrolled variables..

The variable that is changed is the The variable that is changed is the independent variableindependent variable.. The The dependent variable dependent variable is changed in is changed in

response to the independent variable.response to the independent variable. Helper statement: Helper statement: You want to You want to

“control” as much as you can, which will “control” as much as you can, which will clearly show how the independent clearly show how the independent variable works on the dependent variable works on the dependent variable.variable.

Collection and Analysis of Collection and Analysis of the Datathe Data

Record all of the test results.Record all of the test results. Create and organize charts, Create and organize charts,

graphs, sketches, video graphs, sketches, video clips, and research notes.clips, and research notes.

Think critically about the Think critically about the data which is collected by data which is collected by looking for trends and looking for trends and patterns.patterns. Answer how your results Answer how your results

and analysis of the data and analysis of the data applies to your hypothesis applies to your hypothesis and other predictions.and other predictions.

ReportReport After summarizing your After summarizing your

research, report your results. research, report your results. Provide the opportunity for Provide the opportunity for

your hypothesis, results, and your hypothesis, results, and analysis to continue to be analysis to continue to be supported or even disproved.supported or even disproved.

Research may lead to more Research may lead to more problems and questions, problems and questions, which will continue the use which will continue the use of the scientific method.of the scientific method.

The Method At WorkThe Method At Work Michael wanted to know, “How can I get a better

grade on my tests?”

Michael asked other friends if they had ever had any success in studying with someone. Some said yes, and others thought it wasn’t a good idea to study with another person.

He thought, “If I call a friend and review our notes the night before the test, it could improve my grade.”

Michael wanted to know for himself. He experimental by studying with a friend for the next test.

He noticed that his grade improved. The test was hard and Michael concluded that it was an effective technique.

The next day in school, Michael shared his experience with his friends at the lunch table.