Steps to the Scientific Method

Freshman Biology

Scientific Method Disclaimer:

-There are many versions to the scientific method that scientists have changed, altered, and or modified for their own purposes.

-We are going to use a basic 5-step method for freshman lab activities and reporting in biology class.

-The 5-step method may be altered depending upon the lab activity and reporting we are conducting.

1. Identify the Problem

-What are you as a scientist wanting to find out by conducting an experiment.

-This is your question you want answered.

Example: Why do plants grow better in the summer months?

2. Develop a Hypothesis

-A hypothesis is an educated guess to your problem you are trying to find out.

-You develop a hypothesis before you run the experiment.

-Hypothesis’s can be found valid or invalid…that’s OK! They can be re-stated within the conclusions of the lab report.

Example: If plants are exposed to longer amounts of sunlight, then they will grow better that plants that are not exposed to longer amounts of sunlight.

3. Experimental Procedure

-Materials List

-Step-by-step experimental procedure for the lab activity.

4. Data Collection

-Data Table

-Graph

5. Analysis & Conclusions-What was the point of running this lab experiment? What were you trying to find out?

-Analyze the data you collected from the experiment. (This is a narrative that explains your data.)

-Does your data validate or invalidate your hypothesis? Explain.

-Is a new hypothesis warranted? If so, what is it?

-Were there any significant errors that might have skewed your data? Explain.

-What would you do different next time to improve the experiment in order to obtain better results?