Scientific Method

Scientific Method

The Scientific Method is a method of problem solving involving observation to test a hypothesis.

Step 1Purpose/Question

Your first step is to determine a problem or question so that you know what you want to test.

Research

After deciding on your question, you should complete some research to discover what background information is needed to perform the experiment.

Step 2Hypothesis

Based on your research make an educated guess that answers your question.

Step 3Procedure/Experiment

Make a list of directions for testing your idea or hypothesis through a controlled investigation. These should be detailed so that another person can follow your directions and perform the same experiment.

Control

You will need a control which is a standard against which other conditions can be compared in an experiment.

Variable

You will also need a variable which is the factor being tested.

Step 4Materials

Make a list of all materials used to conduct your experiment.

Observation

While completing your experiment you will record findings.

Step 5Results/Data

As you perform your experiment, collect data. Using this data make a judgment or opinion inferred from relevant facts; a final summary.

Step 6Conclusion

After completing your experiment you will make a judgment or opinion inferred from relevant facts. Write this as a final summary.

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Question 1 - Use your flashcards to answer these questions.

Find these words:

Conclusion

Hypothesis

Purpose/Question

Results/Data

Procedure/Experiment

Order them in the correct sequence.

Question 2 - Use your flashcards to answer these questions.

During which stage of the scientific process are all experimental observations gathered?

Question 3 - Use your flashcards to answer these questions.

During which stage of the scientific method does a scientist make a prediction for the outcome of his/her experiment?

Question 4 - Use your flashcards to answer these questions.

During which stage of the scientific process does a scientist formally report the information they have gained from their experiment?

Question 5 - Use your flashcards to answer these questions.

Which part of an experiment is kept in normal circumstances, so that the scientist has something to compare to their test subjects?

Question 6 - Use your flashcards to answer these questions.

An educated guess that has not been proven, but is based on knowledge is called what?

Question 7

If you were experimenting to determine if acid rain affects the growth of pepper plants, what would you need as a variable?

Question 8

If you were experimenting to determine if acid rain affects the growth of strawberry plants, what would you need as a control?

Question 9Which of the following is a testable

hypothesis?

1. Spaghetti is delicious.2. Vacationing in the mountains is better

than vacationing at the beach.3. Plants need sunlight to be healthy.4. School is terrific.

Question 10Which of the following is not a testable science

question?

1. What is the best place to plant rosebushes?

2. How much light does a cactus need to bloom?

3. How hard is the shell of a dinosaur egg?

4. Does leg length correlate with the distance a frog can jump?

Question 11

Which event occurs first in the scientific method?

1. Form a hypothesis.

2. Make an observation.

3. Write a conclusion

4. Prove your experiment.

Question 12

How many independent variables can you have during an experiment?