Scientific MethodEight easy steps!

1. Make an observation.2. Ask a question.3. Conduct research.4. Construct a hypothesis.5. Test hypothesis with an experiment.6. Analyze results and draw a conclusion.7. Check if your hypothesis was correct.8. Report your results.

1.Make an observation.

I noticed that every time I buy bananas, I get gnats in my kitchen a few days later.

2. Ask a question.

Why is it that every time I buy bananas, I get gnats in my kitchen a few days later?

3. Conduct research.

I can look up information about gnats in a book or an encyclopedia,or I can use the internet.

4.Construct a hypothesis.

I think that the gnats are coming from eggs in the bananas because gnats lay eggs in plants.

5. Test hypothesis with an experiment.

6. Analyze results and draw a conclusion.

From my results I can see that gnats hatched from the banana that I did nothing to , while the banana that I dipped the tips in boiling water had no gnats hatch!

7. Check if your hypothesis was correct.

Let’s see…My hypothesis was, “I think that the gnats are coming from eggs in the bananas because gnats lay eggs in plants.

Was I correct?

Yes, my hypothesis was correct.

8. Report your results.I need to tell someone what I found out! I can write a school report, I can write a newspaper article, I can call a press conference, or I can tell you!

Variables

Dependent variable:Factor which is the result of the scientific experiment. It is plotted along the y-axis of a graph.

Independent variable:The factor/value altered by the experimenter during the scientific investigation. It is plotted along the x-axis of a graph.

Control:A factor that is kept the same during an experiment and used to compare.

Question Independent Variable

Dependent

Variable

Controlled Variables

Why is it that every time I buy bananas,

I get gnats in my kitchen a few days later?

Banana dipped in boiling water.

Number of gnats.

•Bananas from same bunch•Same number of days.•Same glass bowl.

VocabularyControl:A factor that is kept the same during an experiment and used to compare.

Data:Factual information collected during an experiment or investigation.

Hypothesis:An educated guess and prediction, that can be tested.

Dependent variable:Factor which is the result of the scientific experiment. It is plotted along the y-axis of a graph.

Independent variable:The factor/value altered by the experimenter during the scientific investigation. It is plotted along the x-axis of a graph.

DRY Dependent Result Y-axisMIX Manipulated Independent X-axis

Vocabulary continued

Observe:To gather information by using senses and scientific instruments.

Prediction:A broad statement (based on an observation, experience, or scientific reason) of what will happen (the effect) in an experiment .

Variable:Any factor in an investigation that could affect the results.

This presentation made by Ms. Smith

With information from:

1. Google clip art

2. http://www.mdk12.org/instruction/curriculum/science/standard1/grade6.html