SCIENTIFIC METHOD

CA STATE STANDARD 8

Notes:• Scientific method: a series of steps scientists follow to answer questions and solve problems.– The seven steps used in scientific methods are

1.asking a question2.research3.forming a hypothesis4.testing the hypothesis5.analyzing the results6.drawing conclusions, and 7.communicating results.

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Topic: Scientific MethodCA standard 8

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• Asking a question usually results from making observations, helps scientists focus the purpose of an investigation,& is often the first step in the scientific method

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• Research• Is extremely important to make sure that your experiment hasn’t been done before and that you gather enough information to help develop your procedures.

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• Forming a hypothesis is the third step in the scientific method. A hypothesis is a possible explanation or answer to a question. A good hypothesis is testable by an experiment.

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• Testing the hypothesis: (Materials & Procedures) Scientists test the hypothesis with experiments to find out if it is a reasonable answer to their question.

• A controlled experiment compares the results from a control group with the results from experimental groups & is a good way to test a hypothesis.

• Data are any pieces of information acquired through observation or experimentation.

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• Analyzing the Results: After scientists test a hypothesis by performing an experiment, they usually analyze their results by using tables and graphs. Analyzing data from repeated tests can help scientists determine if their data are accurate and reproducible.

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• Drawing conclusions: After scientists analyze their results, they draw conclusions about whether their hypothesis was supported. A valid conclusion can only be obtained with reproducible data (which means similar data from many repeated tests).

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• Communicating results is the final step of the scientific method. This allows other scientists to continue the investigation. Results can be communicated through scientific papers, journals, presentations, and the Internet.

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Vocabulary

• Observation• Hypothesis• Data• Independent Variable• Dependent Variable• Control• Constant• Parameter